Stop the empty promises and announce real and workable plans on how problems like the poor economy, high unemployment, the ongoing load shedding crisis and struggling state entities in which taxpayer money is infinitely resolved will eventually be solved.
That was Wednesday’s message from civic organizations and political parties to Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa on what their expectations are and what his priorities should be when he gives his State of the Nation address on Thursday night.
Dr. Heinrich Volmink, executive director of policy at the Organization Against Tax Abuse (Outa), believes that South Africa does not need another long list of impractical promises.
He says Ramaphosa should announce a clear and measurable list of practical and feasible steps, with timeframes.
In particular, Outa also hopes that the president will announce that the e-toll system in Gauteng will be finally scrapped.
ANC alliance partner Cosatu said on Wednesday that he, like the rest of South Africa, has high expectations of the state speech. This is mainly because, according to the trade union, South Africa is experiencing one of its worst economic, fiscal and government crises since 1994.
“The focus of this State of the Nation address should be to ensure that there is policy security and better management of our limited resources, as well as ways to strengthen the state’s capacity and create jobs.
“Our biggest problem as a nation is economic growth of less than 1%, our 40% and rising unemployment levels, and rising poverty and inequality,” says Cosatu spokesperson Sizwe Pamla.
Dr. Pieter Groenewald, FF Plus leader, agrees that the time for talking is over and that Ramaphosa will have to clarify how he will actually solve problems such as unemployment, poor economic growth, crime and struggling state entities that solicit tax money, as well as crime.
“We want to see action and hear what practical steps are going to be taken. The FF Plus, like the people of South Africa, is also tired of empty words, promises and the identification of the problems. ”
