The country is anxiously waiting to hear how the government intends to address the high unemployment rate and crises at the failing state-owned enterprises when President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers his State-of-the-Nation Address on Thursday evening.
South Africa’s economy is growing below 1% making it even less likely to create jobs to reduce the high unemployment rate which is now sitting at 29% and is expected to increase in 2020.
Analysts say the President needs to give a clear indication of what government is going to do to stimulate the economy.
Chief Economist at the Centre for Risk Analysis Ian Cruickshanks says Ramaphosa must give action plans.
“He’s (going) to say that these are his plans for growing the economy, getting it at a higher tempo and then by that way, manufacturing the possibilities of new jobs. Job creation – he must show us the plans that they have. They keep talking about it but nothing ever happens. All we see is even higher unemployment. So, clear the strategy of the recent past has not been working.”
Meanwhile, the red carpet has been rolled out in the Parliamentary precinct ahead of Ramaphosa’s address.
The carpet is normally the final touch in getting the precinct ready for the SONA.
The red carpet runs from the bottom of Parliament street where the procession starts to the steps of the National Assembly.
President Cyril Ramaphosa concludes the procession of the three arms of state, Premiers and other prominent guests.
Parliament has budgeted just over R2 million for the event. But besides many frills being cut, the pomp and ceremony remains.
Once on the steps of the Assembly, the President receives a 21-gun salute, the national anthem is played by the navy brass band and a fly over completes the ceremony.
Ramaphosa and presiding officers then enter the National Assembly for him to deliver his speech.
Watch the video below for the SONA Build-up livestream:
-By Naledi Ngcobo and Zalene Merrington
