President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of Nation Address (SONA) has been met with criticism from left-wing parties saying it was just a waste of time, while the ANC’s GNU partners, particularly the DA leader John Steenhuisen, glorify the speech.
Ramaphosa delivered his first SONA under the Government of National Unity (GNU) in Cape Town on Thursday evening.
Steenhuisen expressed satisfaction with Ramaphosa’s speech but stressed the urgency of the implementation of the commitments.
In a statement, Steenhuisen said he was happy that the DA’s objectives were featured in the speech.
“As the leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA), I am extremely proud to say that our policies were front and centre in the President's State of the Nation Address. At national, provincial, and local levels, DA-led initiatives were highlighted and acknowledged as key drivers of progress and reform.
“This recognition affirms the vital role that the DA has played in shaping government policy across the spectrum of governance. From national government to municipal level, our ministers and representatives have been at the forefront of the reforms necessary for economic growth, job creation, and service delivery,” he said.
RISE Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi welcomed the speech and said it was probably Ramaphosa’s strongest SONA.
“President Ramaphosa addressed the country as the leader of all South Africans, not just his political party.
"RISE Mzansi will support the president and his government where they are effective while holding the GNU accountable when they fail the people of South Africa,” he said.
Corné Mulder, the Chief Whip of the Freedom Front Plus (FF+), was among the few coalition partners to criticise the president's speech, describing it as "disappointing".
Brett Herron of the GOOD Party expressed his hope for greater clarity regarding the Basic Income Grant.
However, parties like the EFF, MK Party, and the African Transformation Movement (ATM) said Ramaphosa's speech was not inspirational.
EFF leader Julius Malema accused Ramaphosa of using SONA to waffle.
“In the previous address, it was Tintswalo and before it was Thuma Mina. There is no accountability. He comes here and uses this platform to waffle,” Malema said.
According to ATM leader Vuyo Zungula, SONA needed to address the daily realities of people because they were suffering.
“If you go to any township many people are suffering. There is poverty,” he said.
MK Party’s Nhlamulo Ndhlela said Ramaphosa was failing poor South Africans under the GNU.
Ndhlela said all the promises that Ramaphosa made were not true and that they would not be fulfilled.
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