#sona2023 Viewpoint

Guest: Vuyisa Ramokgopa, RISE Mzansi National Campaign Team Member Reactions to president Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address are flooding in, with most commentators left wanting. Proceedings were disrupted by the Economic Freedom Fighters, who were subsequently ejected from the sitting. The rest of the address was littered with information South Africans are already aware of. Broadly, the SONA: Emphasised the risk that insufficient energy supply poses to growth and investment in the economy. Noted the need to arrest the deterioration in basic service delivery rolled out from defunct municipalities. Acknowledged the widening trust deficit between itself and other key stakeholders in the economy as is evidenced by slow progress in socioeconomic development. Highlighted the shortcomings of law enforcement agencies which have led to a rising level of lawlessness in the country. Confirmed the continuation of the social relief of distress (SRD) grant. Underlined the poor performance of the country’s municipalities and offered up interventions to improve professionalism in public service.