It’s a new era for SA, say Ministers

SoNA 2018

A dawn of a new era – these were some of the words used by Ministers to describe President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (SoNA) as he announced plans to deal with corruption, poor governance, slow growth and unemployment.

Speaking outside the National Assembly shortly after SoNA some Ministers shared their views.

Communications Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane said the speech drew the inspiration of a country turning over a new leaf.

“The speech was well received, well balanced, touched on critical areas – investment, the economy, job creation and focused on youth [jobs] and making sure that young people get out and talk about skills,” said the Minister.

She said the speech gave clarity on the issue of the recently announced free higher education and training as well as the pronouncement on the Mining Charter.

Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies welcomed the President’s stance on ensuring that the industrialisation of the economy is prioritised.

Minister Davies said government had been emphasising that the global economies are shifting towards industrialising their economies and that it was good that the President aimed to put in motion practical measures.

Higher Education Minister Professor Hlengiwe Mkhize said the President’s speech provided more details on how several programmes would be funded.

“There is absolute clarity as to where we are going and how we should make a paradigm shift.

“But what I liked the most was emphasis on areas that bring about growth of the gross domestic product because once you succeed with that one, support for phasing in higher education and the healthcare programmes that he spoke about will be easier to sustain,” she said.

Land Reform and Rural Development Minister Gugile Nkwinti said the speech inspired hope.

“The SoNA ought to inspire people, not just the party that is leading government, but the people of South Africa. Look at all the parties there, they stood up and they clapped at the end of the speech. That is what South Africa needs. That is why we are happy.”

Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Senzeni Zokwana said all South Africans should aspire to preserve the legacy of struggle icons who fought to liberate the country for the betterment of the lives of all South Africans.

“The speech was good – outlining our challenges, not shying from what we are faced with but coming up with possibilities about nation building, about obligations, about being responsible and I think out of this we need to say South Africa has changed and we need to make sure all of us make ourselves available to realise the dream of all those who served at Robben Island, including Nelson Mandela,” he said.