South African opposition parties responded to President Cyril Ramaphosa's State of the Nation Address with a mix of criticism and cautious optimism. While some acknowledged the government's efforts, many voiced concerns about the lack of concrete plans to address the country's economic challenges, social inequalities, and strained international relations.
President Cyril Ramaphosa 's State of the Nation Address ( Sona ) was met with a mix of praise and criticism from opposition parties during the parliamentary debate on Tuesday. While some acknowledged the challenges facing the nation, others accused Ramaphosa of empty promises and a lack of accountability. John Hlophe, the parliamentary leader of the MK party, spent much of his time praising former President Jacob Zuma, while criticizing Ramaphosa 's leadership.
He even claimed that Zuma's presidency had been more successful, accusing Ramaphosa of lacking substance in his Sona and failing to address the realities faced by many South Africans.Economic concerns were a central theme in the debate, with EFF leader Julius Malema particularly vocal in his criticism. He argued that Ramaphosa's speech lacked a clear strategy for job creation and failed to offer solutions to the country's stagnant economy. Malema also pointed to the escalating cost of living, including food, transport, and fuel, as well as the ongoing crises of gender-based violence, water shortages, and inadequate housing. He called for a more concrete plan to tackle these pressing issues.DA leader John Steenhuisen, now a minister within the government of national unity (GNU), offered a more supportive perspective, pledging to work towards economic growth and improved service delivery for all. He acknowledged the losses incurred during the Zuma administration, emphasizing the need to move forward and revitalize the economy. Meanwhile, IFP leader Velenkosini Hlabisa focused on the need for a fairer funding model for municipalities, arguing that the current system perpetuates inequalities. Freedom Front (FF) Plus leader Pieter Groenewald addressed the land issue, stating that expropriation without compensation was not a viable solution. He argued that many land claimants preferred compensation and that land redistribution alone did not guarantee productivity. ActionSA parliamentarian Athol Trollip cautioned Ramaphosa about the potential consequences of strained relations with the United States government, warning that the ANC's political choices were under scrutiny on the global stage
SOUTH AFRICA RAMAPHOSA Sona OPPOSITION PARTIES ECONOMY LAND EXPROPRIATION INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
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