ANC welcomes the 2023 State of the Nation Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa

9 February 2023

The African National Congress welcomes the decisive State of the Nation Address which was delivered by president Cyril Ramaphosa this evening, Thursday 09 February 2023.

The 2023 SONA addresses the most immediate tasks which include drastically reducing the severity of load shedding and its impact. The President has made it clear that with the challenges the country faces, it cannot be business as usual. He has announced a number of concrete measures and programs that will set South Africa on a renewed growth and development path.

The ANC also welcomes the announcement of the state of national disaster as a decisive step to solve the energy crisis. We also welcome the move to buy locally because we believe local is Lekker.

We will not be distracted by the side shows of some opposition and undemocratic parties as we are entirely determined to take all necessary measures to free the people of South Africa from the yokes of poverty, unemployment, inequality, the rising cost of living, crime and corruption. This State of the Nation Address is about seeing hope where there is despair. It is about showing a way out of these crises. To do navigate the way towards growing economy we have to build an inclusive economy, which must enable black and women industrialists as well as small businesses and cooperatives.

This will require a massive, effective and sustainable skills revolution which will strengthen the link between the skills that we develop and the skills the workplace needs. The SONA has also strengthened the resolve to lift our people out of poverty and unemployment through the social wage which includes public employment programmes and the social grants which all have proven to be a lifeline to our people.

For all of these to succeed and to move South Africa forward the ANC led govemment will take decisive steps to win the fight against crime and corruption. To do this we will also finalise and implement the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry on State Caputure.

This will need the inputs of all South Africans and the progressive forces of the world. As a start the reinvigorates our law enforcement agencies who are taking firm action against companies and individuals alleged to have been involved in state capture.

Issued by Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri, National Spokesperson, ANC, 9 February 2023