South African newspapers on Thursday hailed President Jacob Zuma’s inaugural State of the Nation address, but cautioned that he faced steep challenges in meeting his promises.
Zuma’s speech on Wednesday outlined the government’s plans for fighting poverty and improving public services, most dramatically with a pledge to create 500 000 jobs by the end of the year.
The Sowetan ran a mocking headline: ”Zuma’s pledge to the nation: 2 380 jobs a day for the rest of the year!”
”Zuma’s speech did not deal with how all these noble goals are going to be achieved, especially in a gloomy economic environment and a recession at home,” the paper said in an editorial.
The Star praised Zuma’s address for showing the government’s vision to the nation, but warned that his plans needed to be converted into action.
”Zuma’s plan remains just that — a plan that looks good on paper. It is up to him, the Cabinet and the government at all levels to bring the plan to fruition. And the only way is through hard work,” the paper said.
Business Day echoed the call for action on Zuma’s promises.
”Our new president is saying all the right things. And the tone of yesterday’s [Wednesday] speech does seem to bode well for the next five years, suggesting a new commitment and energy in the government. Now it’s time to see action.”
The Citizen described the address as a ”nice wish list in plain language”.
The paper also welcomed Zuma’s tough talk on the education system after he lashed teachers for tardiness and condemned sex abuse scandals in schools, while urging students to buckle down to the studies.
”Zuma’s frankness about problems in education is welcomed,” the Citizen said.
Tempering expectations
Tempering expectations, Zuma on Wednesday made clear there were limits to what the government could do.
”Since the implementation of our programme will take place in the face of the economic downturn, we will have to act prudently — no wastage, no rollovers of funds — every cent must be spent wisely and fruitfully,” said Zuma.
”The economic downturn will affect the pace at which our country is able to address the social and economic challenges it faces. But it will not alter the direction of our development.”
”If you are listening to what he is saying, it outlines how difficult the task facing this government is. How extremely limited their room for manoeuvre is,” said independent analyst Nic Borain.
Metal workers have threatened mass strikes to demand deeper cuts in interest rates — although those are set by central bank policymakers rather than the government — and mine workers have said they could also consider strikes.
Millions of black South Africans still live in grim townships, glaring reminders of the inequalities of apartheid. Critics say a black economic empowerment programme has only served a few black millionaires with close ties to the ANC.
Zuma also pledged to do more to address one of the world’s highest rates of violent crime, a particular concern ahead of the Soccer World Cup. South Africa is banking on the event to bring in millions of dollars and international prestige.
Education would also be a key priority for the government for the next five years, Zuma said.
”We want our teachers, learners and parents to work with government to turn our schools into thriving centres of excellence.” — AFP, Reuters