SONA 2017: Attention turns to Zuma’s speech
The address, which will be delivered to a joint sitting in Parliament, will set out the government's plans and objectives for the year ahead.
The countdown to one of country’s biggest political events has begun, as South Africans prepare to hear the President deliver his State of the Nation Address (SONA).
The address, which will be delivered to a joint sitting in Parliament, will set out the government’s plans and objectives for the year ahead. Many of the country’s dignitaries and politicians have already descended on Parliament for the occasion. It is reported that about 730 local and international journalists have been accredited to cover the event.
The occasion has however been marred by criticism, after it emerged that the Presidency had deployment 441 members of the South African National Defence Force to assist police in maintaining order. Various opposition parties have come out in full criticism of this, saying it jeopardises freedom and breaches the country’s Constitution.
It is anticipated that a great deal of the President’s speech will focus on transformation, economic growth and land reform. Last year, Zuma expressed concerns over high government spending and stipulated measures that would be taken to address this. Amongst those he mentioned, the President revealed plans to move Parliament to Pretoria and to improve on the country’s investments. Many have now turned their focus and attention to what he will say this evening.
Retired Roodepoort resident, Willem Pienaar, said he hopes the President will speak on concerns about housing. He feels it is unacceptable that people are still subjected to inhumane living conditions, years into the country’s democracy, “We want better houses. We cannot continue to live in these small shacks and informal settlements. Zuma must help us,” he said.
While Willem remains optimistic that many of the country’s problems will be addressed, others hold a very adverse sentiment. Many have openly condemned Zuma’s rule, calling for a different leadership to preside. Ernest Sekele from Witpoortjie says he feels Zuma should resign, “Zuma must go. There are many potential leaders in this country. We cannot continue to turn a blind eye as things go wrong”, he concluded.
The SONA is expected to start at 7pm this evening.
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