Podcasts about cyril ramaphosa's state

Deputy Chair of the National Council of Provinces in Parliament, Sylvia Lucas has been criticized for downplaying the impact of power outages on South Africans. Lucas described load-shedding as a sabotage, stating "it is not the end of the world". Lucas made the utterances during the debate on President Cyril Ramaphosa's State of the Nation Address. Now for more on this Elvis Presslin spoke to Sylvia Lucas

Opinion polls giving the ANC just 45% of the vote ahead of the coming general election are “good for the ANC”, veteran political writer and keen observer Sam Mkokeli tells Peter Bruce in this edition of Podcasts from the Edge. Just wait until the ruling party's election machine gets going. At 45% percent (or 40% 0r 48% depending on the poll) given its performance in government the only way forward when it actually starts campaigning is up. Mkokeli takes a dim view of President Cyril Ramaphosa's State of the Nation Address last week but sees no threat from the established opposition. He says the Multi-Party Charter, the centre-right election “coalition” of the Democratic Alliance, Inkhatha Freedom Party, Freedom Front +, ActionSA and smaller parties may not even survive the campaign intact, let alone threaten even if it manages to stay intact.

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In his speech, on Tuesday, in the debate on President Cyril Ramaphosa's State of the Nation Address (SoNA), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) leader Velenkosini Hlabisa painted a harsh picture of the African National Congress (ANC) and the challenges facing the country under its leadership. He noted former IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi's last message to the ANC - "If the promise of South Africa is truly still alive, it is thanks to the resilience of our people. But how far is this Government willing to test our resilience? They are playing a dangerous game" - and said the ANC was moving in the wrong direction. Hlabisa pointed out that the ANC did not come into democracy and freedom by itself and lamented the passing of the Government of National Unity, which he said gave South Africans hope after the end of Apartheid. He stated that between 1994 and 1999, under the leadership of a Government of National unity, South Africa had flourished. He pointed out the progress made by that government through the passing of landmark legislation, growing skills and investment, and finding a balance between human rights and national security. Hlabisa quoted the International Monetary Fund's perception of South Africa in the first ten years of democracy, as a country that had made "impressive gains" to stabilise the economy, set up higher economic growth and strengthen finances and that since the ANC's sole governance, the perception of a well-performing economy had waned. He reminded Ramaphosa that the ANC did not govern alone between 1994 and 1999 and so, he said, that period could not be a measure of the ANC's success alone. He said it was only when the ANC gained unfettered power that the quality of good governance began to decline. "So no, Honourable President, do not keep telling us what the ANC has done since 1994. Again, the ANC did not liberate South Africa nor build democracy alone. But the ANC did, when given the chance, destroy the economy single-handedly. The ruling party did create the conditions for crime to flourish and for corruption to run rampant through the public service. You did cripple the education system and the healthcare system, destroying our hope of building our future," Hlabisa said. He blamed Ramaphosa for continued economic decline under the ANC government and an increase in crime. Hlabisa said while the IFP supported initiatives such as universal healthcare, the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill that the ANC government wanted to pass into law would be a "recipe for disaster". "The [Health] Minister has already confirmed that government does not have the funds to hire doctors. The NHI Bill has been overwhelmingly rejected by the healthcare sector, business and the opposition. Like Outcomes-based Education, which handicapped our education system and had to be abandoned, the NHI will cripple our health sector," he warned. SA IS IN CRISIS Hlabisa echoed Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen's call for change through voting and said, "It truly is now or never." He stated that the country was on autopilot and in crisis, and he accused Ramaphosa of putting the ANC ahead of the country. He dismissed another five years of ANC rule and said the IFP was ready to govern. "We did it in 1994. And the IFP is ready to do it in 2024. We will do it with our votes," he said. Hlabisa, like Steenhusien, hit back against Ramaphosa's story of Tintswalo, a child of democracy, born in 1994, and meant to represent someone who had reaped the benefits of freedom, under the ANC government. "Tintswalo's story is not the story of today's youth. Unlike Tintswalo, 41% of our youth are unemployed. Thousands of NSFAS beneficiaries are sitting at home with their degrees and diplomas, without jobs. Their dreams are fading away. Millions of children of democracy still live in shacks and informal settlements, with no clean water, toilets or refuse removal. Their only connection to Tintswalo, is that she, too, sits vulnerable in the dark, o...

Some opposition parties say President Cyril Ramaphosa's State of the Nation Address was nothing more than repetition of ideas and old broken promises. Ramaphosa delivered the last SONA of the sixth administration at the Cape Town City Hall last night. The DA says none of the promises made by Ramaphosa in his last five SONA speeches have been kept. For more on this, Elvis Presslin spoke to DA National Spokesperson, Werner Horn, Professor Jannie Rossouw, a visiting Professor at the Wits Business School and Political Analyst Dr. Piet Croucamp. from the North West University

The Democratic Alliance (DA) said on Friday that its manifesto launch, ahead of the 2024 national elections, would not be symbolic, but that it would be a "genuine statement of intent". The party will launch its manifesto in Pretoria on Saturday and will see DA supporters march to the Union Buildings, where DA leader John Steenhuisen will address the crowd. Following a lukewarm response to President Cyril Ramaphosa's State of the Nation Address (SoNA) on Thursday night, the DA said its manifesto would not be a set of empty promises, but rather a "well-researched", "data-driven" document that zeros in on ways to cut wasteful expenditure, open the electricity sector to private enterprise for stable supply, invest in education and create an environment for economic growth. The party believes its manifesto launch will be the biggest in South Africa's political history and hopes to use its vision to "rescue South Africa". "In the last five years, we have witnessed the decay and decline of South Africa. President Ramaphosa's promises, particularly on ending loadshedding, have proven to be nothing but empty rhetoric. The numbers paint a grim picture - rising poverty, swelling unemployment queues, and corruption reaching unprecedented levels. 'Tintswalo', the child of democracy, is not living the dream promised by the ANC. The hope of a 'New Dawn' has faded into a dusk of despair. Our children are starving, crime is rampant, and our health system is crumbling," the party said. It said the upcoming election would be a reset for South Africa. The DA said its manifesto was created on a foundation of new research and new economic thinking for practical and workable solutions to solve the country's challenges. The DA said its Multi-Party Charter with fellow political cohorts was the government in waiting. "As President Ramaphosa delivered his last SoNA, we bid farewell to an era of stagnation. It's time for a new government, a government led by the Democratic Alliance, a government that will put the people first. The DA's manifesto launch is not just an event, it's a historic moment, a rallying cry for change," the party said.

Ahead of President Cyril Ramaphosa's State of the Nation Address (SoNA), this evening, the African National Congress (ANC) assured that it remains steadfast in its resolve to overcome challenges facing the country and to continue steering South Africa toward prosperity. Ramaphosa will deliver his eighth SoNA with many expectations from citizens, political parties and business. The ANC said Ramaphosa would be delivering the address amidst progress and challenges. "This year's State of the Nation Address is expected to reflect on the gains we have made as a nation as well as affirm our determination to defend our democracy from opportunistic elements that are set on undermining the unstoppable programme of transformation. The address must be a beacon of hope as it accounts on commitments made whilst pointing us all in the direction that must now be taken to transform South Africa in the interest of a better life for all," said the ANC. NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE BILL The ANC also asserted its commitment to bring the controversial National Health Insurance (NHI) to fruition. It said it "strongly" supports the NHI Bill as a vital step towards achieving universal healthcare coverage. The Bill was processed by the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces last year and sent to the President to be signed into law. The NHI Bill was met with criticism, however, with business groups pushing Ramaphosa to delay signing it into law, saying that it did not pass constitutional muster and would likely lead to many legal and social troubles down the line. In an open statement to Ramaphosa, Business Unity South Africa and Businesses for South Africa petitioned the President to first test the constitutionality of the NHI Bill before signing it into law. However, the ANC believes that by pooling resources and addressing disparities, the NHl will improve health outcomes nationwide. Ramaphosa's spokesperson Vincent Magwenya noted that Ramaphosa was still considering the NHI Bill and that the President's legal advisers were looking at the proposed legislation. SOUTH AFRICAN SUCCESS Meanwhile, the ANC said that it also celebrated the country's achievements on the global stage, from "asserting moral leadership" to showcasing the talents of South Africans in sports and in music. "Despite global shocks like the Covid-19 pandemic and geopolitical unrest, South Africa's resilience shines through, propelling us on an upward trajectory despite economic setbacks. This year's State of the Nation marks the culmination of an extraordinary term of office characterised by several severe global shocks, as well as the rise of South Africa's prominence as an international moral authority on the global stage," the ANC said. The party noted that the sixth administration faced the daunting task of reinvigorating and fortifying the State, which It said had been weakened by corruption and counter-revolutionary elements. Through concerted efforts, the ANC said significant progress has been made in combating corruption and rebuilding State institutions. The party said that the ANC-led government had dramatically improved access to education from early childhood right through to post-school education. Nearly every young person aged 15 to 24 years of age is literate, and adult literacy now stands at 85%, up from only 64% in 1996. "Today we have a growing black and skilled professional sector. Many interventions have been introduced, including school fee exemption, the school nutrition programme and scholar transport which ensures that poverty does not stand in the way of children's access to quality education. It is this administration that has seen the highest percentage of people writing matric and passing matric, a testament to the ANC's commitment to education for all," the party pointed out.

Ahead of President Cyril Ramaphosa's State of the Nation Address (SoNA) on Thursday, the Democratic Alliance (DA) is hoping that he outlines practical steps government will be taking to cushion consumers from the rising cost of living, particularly the cost of fuel. On Wednesday, petrol and diesel will increase by 75c and 73c per litre respectively, with Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe saying the adjustments are based on current local and international factors. DA Shadow Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Kevin Mileham explained that with consumers already struggling to make ends meet owing to escalating cost pressures from food, electricity and transport, the fuel price increase would be devastating for many. Mileham noted that Ramaphosa should "show leadership" and use his SoNA to provide urgent relief to struggling consumers, saying the African National Congress (ANC) government had spent the past five years evading the subject of unsustainable fuel taxes and levies, "despite clear evidence" these added surcharges on fuel were choking the economy and making life difficult for consumers. The DA has consistently called for a comprehensive review of the fuel price determination model, with particular emphasis on fuel taxes and levies, to bring it in line with international best practices. The party wants Ramaphosa to clearly outline how his government will review the fuel price framework and the corresponding tax system which have inflated the fuel retail price and driven up the cost of living. "Anything short of this is further proof that the ANC is no longer fit to govern, and that they must be voted out in the forthcoming general elections," said Mileham. GOOD secretary-general and MP Brett Herron said his party wanted Ramaphosa to address the economic growth crisis. Herron pointed out that there were no plans to address the economic growth crisis that South Africa finds itself in. "Our economy, which should be the pride of the continent, is instead holding Africa's economy back," he said. Herron highlighted that South Africa must ramp its public investment in infrastructure - a plan first announced in 2010 - and provide access to funding to stimulate entrepreneurship, which he said had been the subject of numerous plans since 1994. He added that the energy crisis was a severe constraint on economic growth, saying the Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme introduced in August 2020, was intended to procure 2 000 MW to meet the immediate electricity supply gap. He explained that this was a good plan, but three years later, only five projects totalling 353 MW were under construction. "The President must address how our independent power producer procurement programmes can be fast-tracked and how we can refine procurement processes so that successful bidders can reach legal and financial close and commence construction a lot faster," said Herron. PRIORITISING HUMAN RIGHTS GOOD party noted that the R350 Social Relief of Distress Grant did not meet even half of the R760 food poverty line, explaining that this was a further erosion of the dignity of millions of people totally excluded from the economy. "We'd like to hear from the President that he has instructed the Minister of Finance to make difficult choices and prioritise implementing a basic income support programme in this year's Budget. This new grant should get as close as possible to the lower bound poverty line (R1 058 in May 2023)," the party said. For the past year, GOOD has campaigned for a R999 Basic Income Grant, with the party saying this is affordable only if waste and excess are cut. Amnesty International South Africa wants Ramaphosa to fulfil his commitment to uphold and safeguard the human rights of all people living in South Africa with the same fervour demonstrated in advocating for the rights of the Palestinian people. Amnesty International noted that following the International Court of Justice's ord...

Ukraine and the UK: a new special relationship? Plus: what to expect from Cyril Ramaphosa's State of the Nation address, Switzerland's school for coronavirus sceptics and the latest aviation news.

Guest: Songezo Zibi Songezo Zibi is the Chairman of the Rivonia Circle and author of ‘Manifesto – A New Vision for South Africa'. In the build up to Cyril Ramaphosa's State of the Nation Address, he joins John to assert that a new, stable, and visionary government must lift us out of this mess.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Africa is joined by Peter Fabricius, Foreign Affairs journalist to talk about President Cyril Ramaphosa's State visit to the United Kingdom and the importance of the meeting. President Ramaphosa is currently in the UK and was invited by King Charles III and is the first foreign leader to be invited to Buckingham Palace after the Queens death. Britain's high commissioner to South Africa Antony Phillipson addressed the media on Wednesday and said that the visit is considered a "hugely significant moment" and that this is South Africa's fourth state visit to the UK since the advent of democracy in SA in 1994, following the visits of presidents Nelson Mandela in 1996, Thabo Mbeki in 2002 and Jacob Zuma in 2010.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's episode of Sunday Times Politics Weekly we are reflecting on President Cyril Ramaphosa's State of the Nation address, and asking if we need to maintain an event that seems to be nothing more than a political ritual. Our host Mike Siluma is joined by UniSA political lecturer Dr Dirk Kotze and Associate Prof with the School of Governance at Wits University William Gumede. The panel concludes that the vision is there politically, but the state simply does not have capacity. They also find that Ramaphosa avoids direct rule or declarations strategically, to avoid putting his head on the political chopping block.

In this week's episode of Sunday Times Politics Weekly we are reflecting on President Cyril Ramaphosa's State of the Nation address, and asking if we need to maintain an event that seems to be nothing more than a political ritual. Our host Mike Siluma is joined by UniSA political lecturer Dr Dirk Kotze and Associate Prof with the School of Governance at Wits University William Gumede. The panel concludes that the vision is there politically, but the state simply does not have capacity. They also find that Ramaphosa avoids direct rule or declarations strategically, to avoid putting his head on the political chopping block.

Clement and Cape Talk's Lester Kiewit unpack President Cyril Ramaphosa's State of the Nation Address with Eyewitness News' Tshidi Madia and Babalo Ndenze as well as 702 Midday Report host, Mandy Weiner. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) says President Cyril Ramaphosa's State of the Nation Address this evening needs to provide a frank assessment of what needs to be done and clear interventions to turn the nation around. Cosatu says government needs to acknowledge that the deepening socioeconomic crises in South Africa come from the misguided macroeconomic policy framework that has been implemented over the years. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Cosatu Parliamentary Coordinator Matthews Parks    

President Cyril Ramaphosa appeared before the State Capture Commission representing the ANC. In this video, I give my assessment of the first day of his testimony.

Special preview of President Cyril Ramaphosa's state of the nation address. Bruce chat to business executives and economists on what can be expected from the president. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the State of the Nation Address on the 11th of February 2021. On this episode of #SMWX, I preview the speech, from vaccinations and tackling corruption, to Eskom and issues of unemployment.

President Cyril Ramaphosa's State of the Nation Address was delayed by more than and hour and a half last night. This is as the EFF objected to the presence of former President FW De Klerk in the house and demanded that Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan be fired. After about an hour of points of order, the Presiding officers temporarily adjourned the house. When the house resumed the EFF walked out

As expected, President Cyril Ramaphosa's State of the Nation Address put emphasis on measures to stimulate economic growth. He addressed the challenges of electricity supply shortages, government spending which he described as misdirected towards consumption and debt-servicing rather than infrastructure and productive activity, and the state owned companies which continue to drain the national fiscus

On the latest business news, we talk about what economic issues are likely to be raised in President Cyril Ramaphosa's State of the Nation Address and discuss how retailers may be affected by the Valentines Day season given lower than expected activity during the recent festive season. Lebo Phasha, our financial expert, helps us to unpack the issues on The Business Wrap. The Buffalo Index looks at what your R100 can get for those looking to impress their significant others during Valentines by listing some of the priciest rose options on offer in SA. Valentine's day is around the corner and as such, businesses are preparing their campaigns to reach their marketing goals. On the main topic, we look into some of the businesses and ventures that may benefit from the day of love. Mahlatse Mashao, founder of Dipalesa Flowas gives a look into what it means to run a flower business, particularly at such a busy time of year. Patience Manaba, co-founder and CEO of Ance AirBnB Property Management then takes us into the world of running rental properties for those looking for romantic getaways. The show ends with Joseph Hlongwane, senior product manager at GFK South Africa, sharing his years of experience in marketing to give insight into how businesses can craft effective advertising campaigns around Valentines. wits.journalism.co.za

Sizwe caught up with political analyst Mighti Jamie to preview President Cyril Ramaphosa's State of the Nation Address 2020. Watch the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qB9lgCDjyaE Ayeye!

Security is tight in and around the Parliamentary Precinct ahead of President Cyril Ramaphosa's State of the Nation Address this evening. Ramaphosa will deliver his second state of the Nation Address this year. The Presiding Officers of Parliament Thandi Modise and Amos Masondo say they are ready for the official opening of Parliament *this evening. Modise who is the Speaker of the National Assembly says she believes that this evening's proceeding will go well. Krivani Pillay spoke to Cas Coovadia, President of the Business Unity South Africa

Semeyi Zake and the team discuss their expectations ahead of President Cyril Ramaphosa's State of the Nation Address; the latest developments at the Zondo Commission and Peter Moyo's duel with Old Mutual. Editing Allowed

Political parties in Parliament have expressed mixed reaction to President Cyril Ramaphosa's State of the Nation Address. Some say it's a step in the right direction while others say the president was on a campaign trail. Elvis Presslin spoke to Professor Mcebisi Ndletyana , Professor of Politics at the University of Johannesburg

TOP STORIES ON AFRICA RISE AND SHINE THIS HOUR... *** African leaders gather in Addis Ababa for the AU summit.... *** Mixed reaction to President Cyril Ramaphosa's State of the Nation Address... *** In Economics: South Africa's ailing power ulitity Eskom to be restructured.... *** And In Sports: Soweto derby is on this weekend between Pirates and Chiefs....