With this year’s annual State of The Nation Address just hours away, all eyes will be turned to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and the newly formed Government National Unity (GNU).
Last year’s SONA marked a significant moment in how far we have come as a country as the occasion coincided with nation celebrating 30 Years of Democracy.
During his speech at the 2024 seating, the president addressed the nation highlighting how much has been done to evolve from our dark past, emphasising how much the African National Congress (ANC) has done to put measures in place to ensure that citizens receive the full benefits of living in a new democratic state.
It was then that the nation was introduced to Tintswalo, a child who was born at the dawn of freedom in 1994. The president highlighted that her upbringing was much different from that of her parents and grandparents.
“Tintswalo was enrolled in a school in which her parents did not have to pay school fees, and each school day she received a nutritious meal as part of a programme that today supports nine million learners from poor families,” he explained.
He further added that other benefits such as the child support grant, free medical care, and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) have allowed her to make a success out of her life by studying at a tertiary institution and liberating her family.
“The story of the first 30 years of our democracy can be best told through the life of a child called #Tintswalo born at the dawn of freedom in 1994.”
President @CyrilRamaphosa #SONA2024#LeaveNoOneBehind 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/7o5scmsQBE
— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) February 8, 2024
That Tintswalo story was such nonsense, man. A born-free who got everything they want? #SONA24 #SONA2024 pic.twitter.com/Ne0gH7yiKO
— SUPERINFORMATIVE on TikTok (@i_likebrandon) February 8, 2024
Fellow politicians and South Africans alike have since criticised this narrative and by the end of last year’s national elections, this has since given birth to the GNU. This was a government formed by 10 parties which included:
African National Congress (ANC), Democratic Alliance (DA), Patriotic Alliance, Inkatha Freedom Party, Good Party, Pan Africanist Congress of Azania, Freedom Front Plus, United Democratic Movement, Al Jama-ah and Rise Mzansi.
Their goal for the next three years is focused on:
- Driving inclusive growth and job creation
- Reducing poverty and tackle the high cost of living
- Building a capable, ethical and developmental state
To date, the progress has been somewhat stagnant with many having recently criticsed the president for disregarding the GNU when making important decisions like signing the Land Expropriation Bill.
In addition, little has been done when it comes to things like unemployment.
With this being the first SONA to take place under the GNU, all eyes will be looking towards the City Hall at this evening’s address to hear what plans the president has set in place for the new term.
Also see:Tintswalo – fact or fiction? Ramaphosa’s ‘perfect story’ shared at SONA
