Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za
19 July 2024 | 08:30 CAT
2 min read

ActionSA’s reaction to the 2024 Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) is a mix of “cautious optimism” and “critical scepticism”, as mentioned in a statement by Athol Trollip, ActionSA’s Parliamentary leader.

Speaking to Radio Islam, Trollip expressed skepticism about the government’s credibility in delivering on promises made in his speech.

“It was a hard sell for his new government, he was making all sorts of promises. Unfortunately for the president we have heard so many of these speeches promising things they will do but they don’t end up doing it,” he said.

Trollip claims the government’s promises lack credibility. He asserts that President Cyril Ramaphosa’s hand was forced, leading him to establish a new government that includes representatives from 10 political parties.

“South Africans are desperate for something better than before. Ramaphosa is making a good sales speech for the GNU. It’s hard not to be sceptical but one needs to be positive,” he said.

Trollip says that ActionSA will give President Ramaphosa the benefit of the doubt, but time will tell if the promises and changes will be effectively implemented.

“There are so many good examples in the world that this government could follow to turn their bad reputation around by doing things differently and better,” he added.

He emphasised that the role of the opposition is not simply to criticize, asserting that ActionSA aims to be a constructive opposition, actively contributing to the country’s progress.

He pointed out that there is a new dynamic in parliament: The old opposition, which built its reputation on being very effective, is now part of the government. In contrast, the new opposition, ironically comprising members who were part of the majority in the Zuma administration not long ago, is now represented by the MK party. He doesn’t believe they will be an effective opposition.

“I fear that MK and EFF who define themselves as a progressive caucus are actually a regressive caucus who wants to take the country back to the time of state capture and Jacob Zuma’s presidency, they also want to tinker with the constitution,” Trollip said.

Action SA finds itself caught between a substantial grand coalition that controls nearly 70% of Parliament, with 20% of all members now occupying Cabinet positions, as per Trollip.

He emphasised this was not a progressive beginning for the GNU.

“It is frightening, for a country that has limited resources to deliver services, and maintain infrastructure, but we always find money to appoint cabinet ministers. This shows the public the government’s interest is more important than the people’s interest,” he added.

Trollip outlined several key recommendations for moving forward: We must fundamentally revamp our economy, repair our tarnished international reputation, and work towards removing the greylisting. Addressing violent crime and corruption is crucial, as these issues deter investors.

He believes the President’s failure to address corruption and crime effectively is a significant oversight and a missed opportunity.

“The president said nothing about dealing with corruption and crime effectively, and that’s a tragedy,” he said.

LISTEN to the full interview with Ml Junaid Kharsany and Athol Trollip, ActionSA Parliamentary leader, here.