#SONA2020: Load-shedding to remain for the foreseeable future
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address also tackled the issue of youth unemployment, student accommodation and having social partners assisting Eskom in generating additional capacity.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/08/849x493q70cyril-ramaphosa-NEWSLFASH.jpg)
Despite an initially chaotic State of the Nation Address (Sona) this evening, President Cyril Ramaphosa was eventually able to deliver his address, tackling electricity woes among other issues.
Proceedings only got underway when the EFF walked out after causing nearly a 90-minute delay with frequent disruptions to the first part of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address.
Once the EFF left, Ramaphosa managed to deliver his speech to the nation.
In those early disruptions, Speaker Thandi Modise had a tall task to try to get the matter at hand to begin. She told the EFF they were infringing the rights of other party members and she won’t take anymore point of orders.
EFF leader Julius Malema demanded that parliament be adjourned until their concerns about Public Enterprise Minister Pravin Gordhan be addressed. But, Modise had enough with the point of orders from the EFF, and decided to suspend proceedings. When they recommenced, the EFF walked out.
Ramaphosa’s address started by tackling the pressing issue of power. He said, “Eskom plays a critical role in our economy and country. Load- shedding has put a set back on plans to create an inclusive economy. Load-shedding will remain a possibility in the future. We’ll be implementing measures to increase generating capacity outside Eskom.”
The president also announced supplementary power purchase agreements to get additional capacity from existing wind and solar plants. “Social partners are committed to mobilise funding to assist Eskom with debt. Efforts will be embarked upon without putting workers’ pensions at risk,” he explained.
These are some of the other key issues from the Sona address:
https://twitter.com/LungileDube/status/1228034926030835713
Coding and robotics will be introduced to Grade R-3 in 200 schools across the country #SONA2020 @NE_Tribune
— Nkosazana (@LungileDube) February 13, 2020
Police training is a priority to help citizens feel safer. Reservists will be deployed to patrol tourist areas. #SONA2020 @NE_Tribune
— Nkosazana (@LungileDube) February 13, 2020
Will amend the Domestic Violence Act to better protect victims in violent domestic relationships and the Sexual Offences Act to broaden the categories of sex offenders whose names must be included in the National Register for Sex Offenders #SONA2020 @NE_Tribune
— Nkosazana (@LungileDube) February 13, 2020
R64 billion set aside for student accommodation @NE_Tribune #SONA2020
— Nkosazana (@LungileDube) February 13, 2020
1000 young entrepreneurs in the next 100 days will be provided with grant funding and business support by NYDA #SONA2020 @NE_Tribune
— Nkosazana (@LungileDube) February 13, 2020
1000 young entrepreneurs in the next 100 days will be provided with grant funding and business support by NYDA #SONA2020 @NE_Tribune
— Nkosazana (@LungileDube) February 13, 2020
Government is ready following the completion of the Parliamentary process to table the Expropriation Bill that outlines the circumstances under which expropriation if land without comprehension would be permissible – Ramaphosa #SONA2020 @NE_Tribune
— Nkosazana (@LungileDube) February 13, 2020
Related articles:
https://www.citizen.co.za/alex-news/150693/sona2020-details-need-know/
https://www.citizen.co.za/alex-news/150782/watch-south-africans-suggest-cyril-ramaphosa-address-sona2020/