What South Africans had to say about SoNA 2016

Thousands of South Africans listened to and watched President Jacob Zuma deliver his State of the Nation Address on 11 February. Here are some of their views:

NAME:
Nobuhle Filtane
OCCUPATION:
Grade 11 Learner
PROVINCE:
Eastern Cape
What did you think of the speech? I like the fact that the President is paying attention to the higher education challenges, in particular the free education matter and the drugs issue in South Africa.
The President also touched on the matter of the drought and how government is dealing with it. I also liked the fact that he gave an update on the Nine-Point plan.

NAME:
Teniel Sharpley
OCCUPATION:
High school learner
PROVINCE:
Eastern Cape
What did you think of the speech? The speech was great, where we felt like losing hope we saw that there are plans in place to fix those challenges, especially issues of  unemployment, investment in our country, improving rural development especially support to local cooperatives/small enterprises.

NAME:
Kamohelo Tsotetsi
OCCUPATION:
Community Member
PROVINCE:
Gauteng
What did you think of the speech? I am happy that the President raised the issue of racism and that Human Rights Day will be commemorated as the Day of Racism.

NAME:
Elena Sibaya
OCCUPATION:
Pensioner
PROVINCE:
KwaZulu-Natal
What did you think of the speech? The president gave a great speech. He was talking about various things that affect all South Africans, not just Black, White or Indian, but every citizen.

NAME:
Maria Mathebula
OCCUPATION:
Production worker
PROVINCE:
Limpopo
What did you think of the speech? I thought the speech was good. I was hoping that the President would talk about the ABET programme targeting farm workers, because it is only made available in townships and villages.

NAME:
Derrick Mkansi
OCCUPATION:
Chairperson of SANCO in Tzaneen Sub-region
PROVINCE:
Limpopo
What did you think about the speech? The speech is a clear demonstration of a government that is in touch with the hardships of the people of the ground. Government is committing to cut spending on nonessentials in order to save money for service delivery programmes. The proposal on the relocation of parliament from Cape Town must be welcomed. Government is encouraging our people to go back to farming for food security, but there is little information on assistance for black commercial farmers.

NAME:
Andile Khoza
OCCUPATION:
Grade 11 learner
PROVINCE:
KwaZulu-Natal
What did you think of the speech? I think the speech covered most areas of importance, such as the state of the economy and education. I particularly liked that they will set aside a day to fight against racism which has been a big talking point in the country lately. As a young person I am pleased with the interventions he has made to address the issue of higher education funding. I hope he intensifies efforts towards attaining the goal of free education for all South Africans.

NAME:
Karabo Mothlabane
OCCUPATION:
Grade 11 Learner
PROVINCE:
Eastern Cape
What did you think of the speech? I likes that the President spoke about government’s plans to fight crime and improve the police service. He also talked about health issues and energy issue and drought.

NAME:
Hlengiwe Nhlapho
OCCUPATION:
Recruit at the South African National Defence Force
PROVINCE:
Northern Cape
What did you think of the speech? What I liked the most about the speech was the funding of SMMEs, because I’ve worked for one before and
I’ve seen the struggles, where more empowered and financial assistance is needed.

NAME:
Slindile Nkosi
PROVINCE:
KwaZulu-Natal
What did you think of the speech? We appreciate the speech by the President. I am especially happy to hear that there will be an increase in funding for electricity infrastructure. This is good news for me because we don't have electricity in our area.