South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s annual state of the nation address lasted longer than usual – perhaps because it was packed full of “something to appease everyone”.
With good reason. President Ramaphosa has many fires to put out given that his government is in crisis and consequently, as many experts warn, the country is becoming a failing state.
His Thursday evening address included some of the old commitments, including economic reforms and handling the energy shortages that cause blackouts (known as “load-shedding” – a term more agreeable to the government). The fact that South Africa cannot keeps its lights on is not an attractive offer to investors.
The country also needs jobs, a lot of them, and Mr Ramaphosa last night implored the private sector to get involved – committing his government to making conditions more favourable for business.
For those calling for an extension to existing Covid-19 grants given to South Africa’s poorest, he announced the scheme would be extended into next year.
As for innovation, the president promised that his government would work on industrialising the hemp and cannabis industry. Currently it is legal to grow cannabis in South Africa but only for personal consumption. This as-yet untapped market could create more than 130,000 jobs, especially in rural communities where farming is a way of life.
Lastly, the president’s commitment to fight corruption – on that front many will agree that it is time to show and tell. At least three reports have accused some in his government of gross corruption or negligence.
South Africans want to see people being held accountable – which will be the true test of Mr Ramaphosa’s apparent determination to steer the nation out of the muddy waters created by his party’s bad governance.
………………………………………………………
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.