Analysts from Wits University and a DA member have given us comment and their opinion on the 2016 State of the Nation Address.
Professor Umakrishnan Kollamparambil from Wits University School of Economic and Business Sciences who specialises in foreign direct investment and capital:
”The speech was dominated by the progress made on the nine focus areas mentioned in the Sona 2015. While it is important to monitor the progress, the need for new and bolder steps to counter the economic slowdown was required to be the focus of the 2016 speech. The President has mentioned welcome initiatives to reduce inequality by introducing the National Minimum Wage, this does not however, address the issue of the alarming unemployment rate in the country. The biggest disappointment was that while the nation looked to the President’s efforts in restoring his credibility and reaffirm the role of the Chapter 9 institutions like the Public Protector, these were glaringly missing.”
Dr Kenneth Creamer, economist from Wits University:
”President Zuma used his State of the Nation speech to articulate the serious negative consequences of ongoing low levels of economic growth for South Africa. Low growth means that not enough jobs are created, that government debt rises and that racial inequality remains entrenched.
”Government must work in a focused manner to implement the President’s nine-point plan to turn the economy around. Clear, decisive steps must be taken to show improved macroeconomic management and thereby avoid a downgrade of the economy by ratings agencies. Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan’s budget speech later this month should provide sufficient details in order to bring credibility to President Zuma’s claims that economic reform is truly underway.
”President Zuma missed an opportunity to explain to the public what government is doing to improve the quality of education in South Africa. This is disappointing as improved education outcomes are key to South Africa’s long run growth prospects.”
Herman Mashaba from the Democratic Alliance (DA):
”President Jacob Zuma’s State of the Nation address before Parliament last night has left Johannesburg’s residents frustrated and concerned over their future prospects. It was a hollow speech, full of empty promises and recycled multi-point plans.
”I attended the Sona in hopes of hearing positive commitments to bring jobs to our urban centres and metros, and plans to correct unequal delivery that leave millions of our people behind by the ANC. Yet, President Zuma offered no such hope for Johannesburg.”
The experts have had their say, what is your take on the State of the Nation Address 2016?
