SONA 2021: Ramaphosa highlights government's four key priorities

Devoid of its usual glitz and glamour due to the coronavirus lockdown, Ramaphosa took centre-stage in front of a limited gallery at parliament.

"This is no ordinary year. And this is no ordinary state of the nation address, Ramaphosa said in his opening remarks.

"First, we must defeat the coronavirus. We must accelerate our economic recovery. We must implement economic reforms to create sustainable jobs and drive inclusive growth."

"And finally, we must fight corruption and strengthen the state that has been weakened,” he said.

COVID-19 Vaccine

Ramaphosa noted the findings of Astra-Zeneca’s low efficacy against the 501-Y variant prevalent in South Africa and applauded our scientists for their research.

He said rolling out the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is now government’s immediate contingency plan.

"We have secured 9 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The first batch, of 80,000 doses, will arrive in the country next week. The success of the vaccination programme will rely on active collaboration between all sectors of society,” Ramaphosa said.

"We are greatly encouraged by the active involvement of business, labour, the health industry and medical schemes in particular, in preparing for this mass vaccination drive,” he added.

Worrying Unemployment Rate

South Africa’s unemployment rate stands at a ‘staggering’ 30,8 percent.

There were 1.7 million fewer people employed in the third quarter of 2020 than there were in the first quarter, before the pandemic struck.

“This evening, we stand here not to make promises but to report on progress in the implementation of the recovery plan and the priority actions we must now take to restore growth and create jobs.”4

Ramaphosa said both the public and private sector were key to changing South Africa’s unemployment crisis around.

He vowed to work closely with the private sector to aid their growth opportunity and employment capacity.

Meanwhile government would play it’s part through a stimulus package.

“The Presidential Employment Stimulus is one of the most significant expansions of public and social employment in South Africa’s history.”

“By the end of January 2021, over 430,000 opportunities have already been supported through the stimulus. A further 180,000 opportunities are currently in the recruitment process.”

Social Grants

Ramaphosa confirmed an extension of some of the social and economic support provided by government.

The Special COVID-19 Grant of R350 will be extended by a further three months.

“This has proven to be an effective and efficient short-term measure to reduce the immediate impact on the livelihoods of poor South Africans.”

“We have also decided to extend the COVID-19 TERS benefit until 15 March 2021 only for those sectors that have not been able to operate.”

Eskom Recovery Plan

Ramaphosa said, restoring Eskom to operational and financial health and accelerating its restructuring process is central to government’s recovery plans.

Eskom has been restructured into three separate entities for generation, transmission and distribution.

“This will lay the foundations for an efficient, modern and competitive energy system, Ramaphosa said

“Eskom is making substantial progress with its intensive maintenance and operational excellence programmes to improve the reliability of its coal fleet. We are working closely with Eskom on proposals to improve its financial position, manage its debt and reduce its dependence on the fiscus,” he added.

Fighting Corruption

Ramaphosa was frank in his assessment of corruption among government officials.

“Corruption is one of the greatest impediments to the country’s growth and development,” Ramaphosa said.

“The revelations from the Zondo Commission of Inquiry lay bare the extent of state capture and related corruption.Testimony at the Commission has shown how the criminal justice system was compromised and weakened.”

“We will shortly be appointing the members of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council, which is a multi-sectoral body that will oversee the initial implementation of the strategy and the establishment of an independent statutory anti-corruption body that reports to Parliament,” he said.

 

Listen to the full speech here: