President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2024 State of the Nation Address (Sona) has come under criticism from opposition political parties, who claim it was merely a platform for the African National Congress (ANC) to launch its election manifesto.
The speech, delivered at the Cape Town City Hall, was filled with promises and plans to address various issues, but critics argue that they are recycled promises that have yet to be fulfilled.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) announced their boycott of the Sona after failing in their court bid to overturn a ban on five of their MPs, including leader Julius Malema, from attending the event.
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This followed their storming of the stage during last year’s Sona. Ramaphosa’s speech proceeded uninterrupted, lasting nearly two hours. One of the main criticisms from opposition parties is that Ramaphosa’s speech lacked substance and was more akin to a campaign speech.
Nqabayomzi Kwankwa of the United Democratic Movement described it as a “campaign speech that went wrong,” highlighting that the ANC has had ample time to address the issues they spoke of but has failed to do so.
Velenkosini Hlabisa, leader of the Inkatha Freedom Party, called the speech a “joke” and an admission of failure. He criticized Ramaphosa for making promises without presenting any new solutions.
Nicholas Nathi, the Democratic Alliance (DA) Youth Leader, echoed this sentiment, stating that the president had no plan and questioned why certain ministers, such as Police Minister Bheki Cele, were still in their positions if the government was serious about fighting crime.
The African Transformation Movement (ATM) Leader, Vuyo Zungula, accused Ramaphosa of failing since taking office in 2018. He criticized his stance on fighting state capture, pointing out that some implicated individuals still hold positions within his Cabinet.
Brett Herron of the GOOD party acknowledged some positive aspects of the speech, particularly regarding the green economy and energy transition, but criticized the lack of a coherent plan and the failure to address the issue of job creation.
ANC chairperson Gwede Mantashe, who is also the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, defended Ramaphosa’s speech, stating that it was an account of past promises and plans.
Mantashe highlighted the government’s efforts in authorizing renewable energy projects and emphasized the need for a diverse energy mix to address the country’s challenges.
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