Word on the street

As President Jacob Zuma prepares to address the nation on government’s plans to take the country forward, Vuk’uzenzele took to the streets to hear what South Africans expect the president to say: 

Boy Thwala (62)

“My expectation from the president is that he will address how government is going to stop crime and corruption. Citizens feel unsafe to walk down a street because of crime. The government must provide employment in order to drop crime statistics because most people get involved in crime because they are unemployed. We also need to know how he is going to deal with corrupt leaders and officials.” 

Ndumiso Thabethe (32)

“I am expecting the president to talk more on education and employment opportunities. In rural areas like Maphumulo, where I am from, there is no proper school infrastructure. Learners study in tents or under the trees. The president needs to come up with a good strategy to address the shortage of classes in rural schools.”

Sicelo Sithole (27)

“I would like the president to address the issue of nepotism because it affects a number of qualified people. No matter how many degrees you have, you are not guaranteed employment. It is so easy to be employed when your relative works at the government. We need to have clear and legal processes when it comes to employment so that the right candidate will get what they deserve.”

Nozipho Sibiya (34)

“I would like the president to talk about abortion. The country should have strict rules for girls and boys on issues like the use of contraceptives. People should know that once you get pregnant, there's no going back.”

Nastajia Govender

“I want to the president to address the issue of land reform. Fairness and distribution – is there capacity and the capability to train new farmers? Are there plans or techniques or the structures of successful farming yield? What are government’s plans for 2018 going forward with land reform?”

Njabulo Dladla (38)

“I want to hear about how government will strengthen the security of our borders so that we can manage the number of people coming into our country. Secondly, I want to hear what President Zuma has to say about the working class who do not qualify for RDP houses and cannot afford to pay bonds.” 

Popo Mbuli (26)

“The president needs to address issue of employment among youth. People are educated but they are sitting at home with their qualifications. If he can come up with more internship programmes for graduates to get experience and also consider giving youngsters increased access to funding to start their own businesses.”

Candice Meiring (35)

“I want the president to talk more about our economy. How is the government going to grow our economy? What plans are there to ensure that food and petrol prices are controlled and that we attract foreign investors who will bring stability to the country.”