Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read
04 February 2025 | 14:20 CAT

Al Jama-ah calls for an actionable roadmap at SONA 2025 – Prioritizing economic reform and social justice.

With the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) by President Cyril Ramaphosa fast approaching, the Al-Jama-ah party has expressed cautious optimism. The party expects more than just rhetoric but rather a concrete and actionable roadmap to address South Africa’s challenges.

Speaking to Radio Islam International, Al-Jama-ah leader Ganief Hendricks emphasized the importance of revisiting the foundational principles of African liberation leaders, particularly drawing inspiration from Tanzania’s first president, Julius Nyerere. “Nyerere championed not only political independence but also the socioeconomic upliftment of his people. In contrast, South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP) has failed to meet its targets, and we are now back to the drawing board,” Hendricks stated.

Among the NDP’s key goals was reducing unemployment to 6% by 2030. However, with the unemployment rate currently at 34%, this objective remains far from being achieved. Hendricks criticized the failure of the National Planning Commission, which consisted of top minds from various sectors. “They set ambitious targets, yet we have not seen tangible results. We need a renewed commitment to economic reform,” he argued.

Hendricks also pointed to the widening inequality gap, citing the Gini coefficient, which was supposed to improve but has instead deteriorated. “South Africa is now the most unequal country in the world. We cannot continue on this trajectory; SONA must bring real change,” he asserted.

A major concern raised by Al-Jama-ah is food poverty. According to Hendricks, the basic amount needed for an individual to afford food each month stands at R760, yet social relief grants currently stand at R370. “A basic income grant of at least R1000 must be introduced to ensure that no South African lives below the poverty line by 2030,” he proposed.

Additionally, Hendricks called for the establishment of a South African Liberation Committee to drive economic freedom. “We achieved political freedom, but economic freedom remains elusive. A dedicated economic liberation committee should replace the National Planning Commission to ensure a people-centered approach,” he suggested.

With a government of national unity now in place, Hendricks believes there is a greater chance for meaningful reform. “The ANC and DA alone have failed to inspire hope. The inclusion of other parties brings fresh perspectives that could drive economic change,” he noted.

As SONA 2025 looms, Al-Jama-ah urges the government to prioritize practical solutions over political posturing. “This is a critical moment. The president must outline a master plan with clear, measurable KPIs to address South Africa’s pressing socioeconomic issues,” Hendricks concluded.

Listen to the full interview on Your World Today with Annsia Essack and Al-Jama-ah leader Ganief Hendricks here.