Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read
08 February 2025 | 12:25 CAT

RISE Mzansi says the state of the nation address was probably president Cyril Ramaphosa’s strongest yet, however, the proof will be in the budget and implementation.

President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) under the seventh administration and the Government of National Unity (GNU), setting the tone for the country’s political and economic direction. While GNU partners have largely praised his address, opposition parties outside the coalition have voiced strong criticism.

Rise Mzansi, one of the GNU partners, has welcomed the speech, viewing it as a firm commitment to national priorities. Speaking to Radio Islam International, Makashule Gana from Rise Mzansi stated, “We feel that it was strong, striking the right notes both in terms of the challenges we face as a country and our responsibilities globally.”

Among the key points highlighted by Rise Mzansi were the commitments to revitalizing the commuter rail system, investing in water infrastructure, and increasing funding for critical infrastructure. “These are areas we have been championing as crucial for economic growth,” Gana explained. “Only by expanding the economy can we create sustainable jobs.”

With SONA marking the first address under the seventh administration, GNU members view it as a pivotal moment. Gana emphasized its significance: “It sets the roadmap for the administration’s focus. Now, we await the budget on February 19 to assess how much funding will be allocated to these commitments.”

However, while Rise Mzansi and other GNU partners have expressed optimism, concerns remain over certain areas that lacked clear direction. One such issue is crime and public safety. “We felt that stronger pronouncements were needed to ensure the safety of South Africans. The upcoming budget will reveal whether adequate resources are allocated to this sector,” Gana added.

Another key moment in the address was Ramaphosa’s stance on international pressure, particularly from the United States. The president reaffirmed South Africa’s sovereignty, resisting external influence. Gana noted, “This was critical given our current diplomatic position. We must navigate global pressures while staying true to our values.”

Looking ahead, Rise Mzansi remains confident that joining the GNU was the right decision. “We continue to play our role in ensuring accountability and contributing where needed,” Gana said. “Our impact so far has been positive, and we look forward to shaping governance in a meaningful way.”

As South Africa awaits the budget speech, the true test of SONA’s promises will be in the government’s financial commitments. For now, the political landscape remains divided, with GNU partners optimistic and opposition parties sceptical.

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Round Up with Annisa Essack and Makashule Gana here.