Accountability, corruption and job creation dominate expectations ahead of Ramaphosa’s ninth SONA
Accountability, corruption and job creation are among the key issues some Johannesburg residents want President Cyril Ramaphosa to address when he delivers his ninth State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall tonight.
The address comes at a critical time for the country, as South Africa continues to grapple with high unemployment, ongoing service delivery challenges, and public frustration over corruption and governance failures.
Newsnote spoke to several residents in Johannesburg who expressed mixed reactions about what they expect from the President’s speech.
One resident says he wants Ramaphosa to reflect on the work of the Madlanga Commission, which has been probing allegations of corruption and maladministration in parts of government. He believes the President must outline clear steps on implementing recommendations and holding those implicated accountable.
“I want to hear about Zondo Commission, Ad Hoc Committee and Madlanga Commission lot of things are coming out from there,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party leader in Johannesburg, Andile Hlabe, says they are tired of what he describes as empty promises that do not translate into meaningful change for ordinary citizens. Hlabe argues that communities are facing worsening socio-economic conditions and want tangible interventions rather than commitments that are not fulfilled.
“Five years ago, they said they would do infrastructure revamp,” she said.
“They are supposed to do infrastructure overhaul but now there is no water they still want to patch the pipes which means the infrastructure is breaking down its the lies they are telling us.”
Other residents said they have their own problems to care about the Sona.
This will be the second State of the Nation Address delivered under the Government of National Unity (GNU), formed after last year’s general elections resulted in no single party securing an outright majority. The GNU arrangement has placed increased scrutiny on how parties within the coalition will work together to address economic growth, job creation, energy security and service delivery.
With many South Africans facing rising living costs and persistent infrastructure challenges, tonight’s address is expected to set the tone for government’s legislative and policy priorities for the year ahead.
