#SONA2017: 7 things to know
President Jacob Zuma, during his State of the Nation addressed seven aspects, among others, that he believes South Africa needs to focus on.
POLOKWANE – When President Jacob Zuma finally got to deliver the State of the Nation Address for 2017, there were seven aspects he focused on.
Esidimeni
Following the Esidimeni tragedy, in which 94 mental health patients tragically passed away, Zuma instructed the health minister to ensure that the health ombudsman’s recommendations, which include reviewing the Mental Health Act, are speedily implemented without any reservations.
“We are deeply distressed by the death of so many psychiatric patients in Gauteng. Mentally ill patients are some of the most vulnerable members of society, who need protection from the state itself and society as a whole,” he said.
Zuma went on to extend heartfelt condolences to all families and relatives of the deceased.
Water Crisis
As the country grapples without ongoing drought conditions, Zuma said government is working hard to ensure reliable bulk water supply to vulnerable and rural municipalities.
“In an effort to curb the high water losses which in some municipalities far exceeds the national average which is currently at 37%, about ten thousand unemployed youth are being trained as plumbers, artisans and water agents. More will be recruited this year to reach the total of fifteen thousand,’ he said.
Zuma also urged municipalities to support the War on Leaks programme.
Minimum Wage
Following Deputy President, Cyril Ramaphosa’s signing of a national minimum wage of R20, Zuma celebrated the agreement of the minimum wage to R3500 and other measures to stabalise labour relations.
Higher Education
With the country being rocked by university protests as students call for tertiary education fees to fall, Zuma addressed the issue saying students correctly pointed out that accumulated debt and fast rising fees were making it harder and harder for those who come from less-privileged households to enter and stay within the education system until they complete their studies.
“It is for this reason that when university students expressed genuine concerns about being excluded from universities, our caring government responded appropriately by taking over the responsibility to pay the fee increase for the 2016 academic year,” he said.
Zuma went on further to say that government had settled all debt owed by National Student Financial Aid Scheme students and extended the coverage to larger number of students.
“Government has provided funds to ensure that no student whose combined family income is up to six hundred thousand rand per annum will face fee increases at universities and TVET colleges for 2017,” he said.
Land Reform
Zuma announced he will refer the Expropriation Bil back to parliament for reconsideration on the basis that the Bill might not be constitutional.
“The Bill might not pass constitutional, due to inadequate public participation during its processing. We trust that Parliament will be able to move with speed in meeting the requirements so that the law can be finalised to effect transformation,” he said.
Social Welfare Crisis
Zuma noted that social grants reach nearly 17 million people but what he didn’t say is that these 17 million people are at risk of not receiving their grants come April 2017 because of a botched tender process by the department of social development.
Economy
Zuma stated that governeent anticipates an economic growth rate of 1.3% in 2017 and it will be focusing on job creation.
“We reiterate that radical economic transformation should mean moving beyond share ownership schemes only. The Department of Public Works will invest approximately one hundred million rand this year on critical capital and maintenance programmes to modernise harbours. They will also continue generating revenue from letting state owned harbours and coastline properties, which will benefit black owned SMMEs,” he said.
Furthermore, he stated that government will also continue to pursue policies that seek to broaden the participation of black people and SMMEs, including those owned by women and the youth, in the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) sector.
Zuma also assured the youth that the lowering of the cost of data is uppermost in governments policies and plans.
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