The following are reactions by leaders of South Africa’s main political parties to President Thabo Mbeki’s State of the Nation address.
Democratic Alliance: Tony Leon
”Urgent attention was not given to the war at home. The crisis of crime, Aids and the state of our hospitals was not addressed sufficiently.
”The child grant aspect was good, but we will have to see how that is rolled out. And why it was not addressed in previous years is a mystery.
”The Black Empowerment issue is so important but needs to be inclusive of everyone and not penalise some. It must not be a case of where only the friends and cronies are included.
”A change of direction and change in gear may be needed and issues need to be taken further.
”On the Iraq issue, peace is what all South Africans want, but how the world will achieve this peace and what South Africa part I, was not clear.”
ACDP: Reverend Kenneth Meshoe
”We would disagree with the speech in that while there were a number of eloquent comments, it did not touch on the real issues. More needs to be done for providing anti retroviral for Aids infected mothers.
”It was said that crime has stabilised, but South Africans want crime eradicated. Safety must not only be offered to visitors, but to the citizens.
”Also with the economy, not only must it be said that the economy has stabilised, but on the ground we need to see more jobs created, not job losses.”
NNP: Marthinus Van Schalkwyk
”We would like to see a proper analysis on Zimbabwe and a commitment to fighting crime.
”The Aids issue is one where we do not see eye to eye with the ANC. More response in this regard is needed.
”The Iraq issue was dealt with in a responsible manner and the respect shown to any UN decision is good.
”We see our party working well with the ANC going forward and the main thrust of the NNP this year will be on the economy.”
Freedom Front: Pieter Mulder
”The international focus was good, but little was said on Zimbabwe, which is a war much closer to home.
”On the affirmative action front, I would like to know when, looking ahead to the next decade, South Africa will be going into a normalisation phase?”
United Democratic Movement: Bantu Holomisa
”We disagree with the speech in that the tide has not turned on jobs and poverty. The government is not rolling out Aids initiatives and crime is rife.
”We commend the way social issues were dealt with, but does the president have the capacity to roll out these grants?
”We would like to see a move by government in the economy and in providing job security instead of being lectured on globalisation.”
IFP: Mangosuthu Buthelezi
”We are happy with a number of the issues that were discussed, although crime and poverty were not addressed properly.
”Internationally the offer to help Iraq disarm is good. If there is war it will affect us all.”
Afrikaner Eenheids Beweging: Cassie Aukamp
”The main cardinal issues were missed. Community issues were dealt with in a dry way and did not get to the heart of what people want.
”Iraq was treated too simply and there is a need to take this matter further.”
Azapo
”We support the speech and many of the issues. The peace initiatives on the Iraq issue, and joining in as a voice of reason, trying to convince the world that there is no need for war, is good.
”Also looking to peace in Africa, the progress on the Burundi and Congo front is good.
”On social grounds we agree with the child grant, but there is a need to train community officers. Grants are meaningless unless they can be directed properly. There is the example of women who are having as many babies as possible to take advantage of the child grant. But this is fruitless.
”Two things that were not dealt with was the road deaths and land restitution. These issues affect everyone.”
UCDP
”It was a good speech, save more could have been said on the agricultural sector and land availability.”
Deputy President Jacob Zuma
”This was a good speech that befits the president of a democratic South Africa. It showed continuity and deepening of issues that have been brought up and dealt with previously.
”Also from an international front, Iraq was dealt with well and the emphasis that Iraq must adhere to the UN is appropriate.” – I-Net-Bridge