Mzansi reacts to the State of the Nation Address

by Zintle Mdaka
Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa's

President Cyril Ramaphosa gathered Mzansi for the annual State of the Nation Address (SONA) where he shared updates about the country and what the government is yet to do.

He started his address by shining a light to thousands of women of all races who marched to the Union Buildings, their hearts beating with a common purpose 70 years ago.

The president also shared that the South African economy is growing again.

“While we have experienced four consecutive quarters of GDP growth, we know that it has to grow much faster to meet our social and economic challenges. We have achieved two consecutive primary budget surpluses.

“Our credit rating has improved, interest rates are coming down and inflation is at its lowest level in twenty years. We are on a clear path to stabilising our national debt. The rand has strengthened against the dollar,” he said.

Also see: World Bank projects economic recovery for South Africa

The President also highlighted that through Operation Vulindlela, they have brought an end to load shedding and built a more dynamic and resilient energy system.

While graduates stay at home due to high rates of employment in South Africa, Ramaphosa said the government has created over 2.5 million opportunities through the Presidential Employment Stimulus, mainly for young people and women. They also expanded Public Works Programme, and the Community Work Programme continues to offer job opportunities to many throughout our country.

Also see: South Africa faces an increase in unemployment rate

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Also see: WATCH: The State of The Nation Address 2019 Live