Lovelife Maholovela from Gavasa village says " The president spoke about bulk water projects, but I am not so sure if it will also cater for the rural communities including here. We still have a serious challenge of water, and also need sanitation. Job creation should be prioritized. What is happening in parliament is a disgrace to us as South Africans."
President Zuma delivered his 10th State of the nation Address to the joint sitting of the two houses of parliament, despite the earlier chaotic scenes that saw the Economic Freedom Fighters forcefully removed from parliament and the Democratic Alliance staging a walk out.
Zuma said the country is still on the right path towards the creation of a South Africa that is free from poverty, inequality and unemployment as envisioned in the National Development Plan.
“While the global economic environment remains uncertain, indications are that we have entered a period of recovery. We anticipate an economic growth of 1.3 percent in 2017 following an estimated 0.5 percent in 2016,”he said.
He said government will look to the Nine Point plan to reignite growth for the economy to create the much needed jobs especially for the youth. “The focus areas include industrialization, mining and beneficiation, Agriculture and agro processing, energy, SMMEs, managing work place conflict, attracting investments, growing the oceans economy and tourism, “said Zuma.
Meanwhile, Government Communications (GCIS) staged a public viewing event at Mariveni village which attracted about 300 viewers. Councillor Given Malatjie, who is also the chairperson of the Health Portfolio Committee in the Greater Tzaneen Municipality, gave a summary of the president’s speech.
The Herald took to the streets to get the views of ordinary people on what happened in parliament and whether the speech met their expectations.
Beauty Mpenyani from Mandhlakazi village says “The president must just resign. I’m also disappointed with the conduct of some of members of parliament. Given the events of last year with the fees must fall protest, I had expected the president to talk about a long term solution to the problem.”
SONA: Councillor Given Malatjie, who is also the chairperson of the Health Portfolio Committee in the Greater Tzaneen Municipality, giving a summary of the president’s speech.
Aubrey Morwasetla from Morwasehla Village says “My view is that people should be compensated on the land redistribution programme and not given their land back because many of our people don’t have the necessary skills for farming. I agreed with him on the issue of data bundles, because yes these bundles are expensive for us. State of the Nation Address should also have touched on the issue of delivery of text books in our province if education is indeed a priority.”
Grace Mukansi from Mariveni”I am so pleased with this initiative by our government to give us information on their plans for us. We are happy that the president says government will be focusing on agriculture and assisting rural farmers. The president must not be distracted by these hooligans led by Julius. We are seeing improvement in our community and our new ward councillor works very hard to respond to our issues.
Ngwako Manyama from Kgapane, says “We are not convinced that there is a plan to create jobs for the youth. Government should also be investing more on education by making bursaries available for students from poor families.
Tintswalo Manyoke, who works at Letaba Estate said she wished for the president to speak about plans to accelerate on the housing delivery because there are still many without shelter especially farm workers. “We are ashamed to see what is happening in parliament.Our children have nothing to learn from these people.”
