By: Natasha Archary
In the build up to the State of the Nation Address (SONA) 2024, Phemelo Motene roped in the expertise of Dr Nthabiseng Moleko – Development Economist at the Stellenbosch Business School, and Research Associate at the Social Policy Initiative, Duma Gqubule to share predictions of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s focus.
This year’s SONA is a big one, because it’s an election year and opposition parties are hoping this is Ramaphosa’s final address.
In his 2023 SONA speech, Ramaphosa declared loadshedding a National State of Disaster, making the decision to lessen the impact the energy crisis was having on farmers, small businesses, and on the country’s water infrastructure and transport network.
Additionally, Ramaphosa appointed Electricity Minister, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa to oversee all aspects of the electricity crisis response, including the work of the National Energy Crisis Committee.
However, a year later and loadshedding has not abated, with the country currently undergoing Stage 2 loadshedding.
Last year Ramaphosa also highlighted 5 priorities of government, all of which have not been met.
Some of the priorities Ramaphosa highlighted in 2023
Loadshedding
- National State of Disaster
- Appointment of Electricity Minister
- New Generation Capacity
- Roll out of solar panel
- Eskom R400 billion debt
Growing Economy
- 346 000 jobs via Presidential Employment Stimulus
- Growing small businesses
- Supporting women-owned businesses
- Buying local
- Cutting red tape
Safer Communities and Fighting Corruption
- Gender-Based Violence
- Combatting Crime
- State Capture
- Strengthening Corruption Fighting
Government Efficiency
- Establish a state-owned holding company
- Public service room
- Building infrastructure
- Combatting hunger and poverty
Listen to the conversation on Point of View:
Also read: “My mom blew her retirement savings and now expects me to clean up the mess”: The Blind Spot
