Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
09 February 2024 | 18:02 CAT
2-min read

The president came across as more of a politician than a statesman in his delivery of the State of the Nation Address last night, analysts say.

The 8^th annual presidential address coincided with the 30^th anniversary of South African democracy.

“Over the last three decades, we have been on a journey, striving together to achieve a new society- a national democratic society,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said during the address.

Muhammad Cajee, Executive Director at the Auwal Socioeconomic Research Institute (ASRI) notes that although the report touched on key themes, such as the economy, job creation and poverty alleviation, the tone of the Sona resembled a speech more fitting for an ANC elective conference.

“My first impression while the President was speaking was that it sounded very much like a speech you should hear at an ANC elective conference, rather than that of a State of the Nation address to all South Africans. And I think the sentiment has been expressed across the board,” Cajee said.

Although it is understandable that Sona was used to launch the ANC’s election campaign, Cajee said, it lacked a substantive connection to the realities experienced by citizens on the ground.

“It [the Sona] was somewhat disconnected from the reality that citizens are experiencing on the ground in terms of, you know, the delivery of services and the efficiency and effectiveness of government in terms of keeping its promises,” Cajee said.

Reflecting on the past 30 years of South African governance, Cajee discussed the contrasting periods of progress and regression, particularly under the Mandela and Mbeki administrations, compared to the “Zuma regime”. He pointed out that the gains in stabilising the economy, addressing fiscal challenges, and good service delivery were won between the years of 1994 and 2008. “And then we had this massive regression,” Cajee said, explaining that Ramaphosa cannot claim all those gains as his own.

There is a lingering sense of urgency for more effective reforms and governance.

Furthermore, Cajee brought into focus the importance of South Africa’s international leadership, particularly in terms of its genocide case against Israel at the ICJ. He expressed surprise that this aspect was not given more emphasis in the Sona speech, given its significance on the global stage.

Transitioning to election dynamics, Cajee discussed recent polling data indicating potential shifts in political power, notably in provinces like KwaZulu-Natal, where the DA and IFP are gaining traction. He emphasised the importance of closely monitoring provinces like Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, which serve as major economic centres and are experiencing substantial drops in ANC support.

In conclusion, Cajee discussed the significance of the upcoming Minister of Finance’s budget speech, particularly in allocating resources towards social programs, governance, and anti-corruption measures outlined in the Sona.

Listen to the ASRI Report on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Ibrahim Daya.