Jobs, education and health; there's a lot on the agenda this year for President Jacob Zuma as he addresses the country in his annual State of the Nation address.
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8:23:00 pm
And that's a wrap. Check back on the Mail & Guardian's homepage in a few minutes for a recap and analysis of the State of the Nation address by the M&G's politics team.
8:20:26 pm
Zuma finishes his speech with a Charlotte Maxeke quote:
"This work is not for yourselves – kill that spirit of self, and do not live above your people but live with them. If you can rise, bring someone with you."
He receives a rapturous applause from parliament along with a standing ovation.
8:18:39 pm
Zuma concedes its going to be a busy period up to 2014. Calls on all South Africans to pull together and assist in the unrolling of the infrastructure development program. "Nobody will do this for us, it is in our hands. We are all equal to the task."
8:15:48 pm
Zuma says we generally need to do well when it comes to sports. Congratulates Oscar Pistorius on winning the Laureus sports award for competitors with disabilities. Wishes Banyana Banyana well in preparations for the London 2012 Olympics. Cracks a joke about Bafana Bafana not having to qualify for next year's AFCON here in SA. "Let's give them support anyway!"
8:11:52 pm
Massive plans afoot to improve monuments in remembrance of struggle heroes and gains made on the route to democracy
8:09:30 pm
Zuma points to Cosatu's launch of corruption watch as a great move in the fight against corruption. Says the government will work in tandem with all programs combating corruption.
8:06:14 pm
Zuma says there has been a slow and steady improvement in the reduction of crime. But notes there will be a greater push to improve on the progress made to "make South Africans more free."
8:04:57 pm
Regarding land restitution, Zuma says the willing buyer willing seller model is not working anymore. There is a new policy framework in the Green Paper on Land Reform. Won't divulge details.
8:02:17 pm
Zuma turns attention to health. Says there are major strides being made in the fight against AIDS. Notes prevention efforts need to be increased. Also jokes that Health minister Aaron Motsoaledi is encouraging South Africans to be more healthy. "You know we need to be more active."
7:56:33 pm
Zuma lauds the achievements made in education. Maintains over 8m scholars attend non-fee schools and are part of a school feeding scheme. Notes increased in primary education. Says there will be a focus on eradicating problems around the non-delivery of textbooks, scholar transport and poor teaching practices.
7:53:08 pm
Plans are afoot to begin a house fund scheme that will assist impoverished buy houses.
7:50:39 pm
So in essence: President Zuma has unveiled a new state driven program that will focus on improving infrastructure in keys areas. It will hopefully free up the clogged up points in our economy.
7:38:55 pm
Fifth geographic program is a bit vague. "Enormous potential along the West Coast" NO details.
7:36:59 pm
Fourthly there is a plan to upgrade ten priority roads in the North West. Additionally there is a plan to increase the roll-out of water, roads, rail and electricity. No further details.
7:34:56 pm
The third project aims to develop a "South Eastern Node" that will improve industrial and agricultural development and export capacity in the Eastern Cape. A dam is being built along the Umzumvubu river to expand agricultural production. Plans also to "revitalise" Mthatha.
7:32:45 pm
The second geographically linked program sees the introduction of a Durban-Free State-Gauteng logistics corridor. Will see better economic connections between Johannesburg & Durban, and possibly improved export capacity at our sea ports.
7:29:09 pm
The first geographically linked program sees the development of infrastructure in Limpopo to "unlock the enormous mineral belt of coal, platinum, palladium, chrome and other minerals." Major moves to get shift logistics from road to rail.
7:26:16 pm
With a view to tackling unemployment there will be a major infrastructure drive. Along with this there will be five major geographically-focussed programs in different sectors around the country.
7:24:31 pm
Zuma says the government has begun to write a new story about South Africa. A country where unemployment is driven back and economic inequality and poverty is reduced. "We must not lose this momentum."
7:22:27 pm
Zuma going through the government's achievements in 2011. Notes decent growth in employment and strides being made in education. Concedes there are many challenges. i.e. We are getting there but it's not getting any easier.
7:18:30 pm
According to Zuma 356 000 people were newly employed in 2011. "All these new jobs come from the formal sector of the economy."
7:16:30 pm
The way Zuma is starting his speech, you get the feeling there is going to be a HUGE focus on the economy and plans to adjust things to fight unemployment.
7:13:50 pm
Zuma notes there was great growth in 2003-2007 but laments the fact unemployment "remained stubborn"
7:11:01 pm
Zuma says the mid-term review by cabinet indicates great progress in the fight against crime & aids, provision of healthcare and widening education. BUT says the triple challenge of poverty, unemployment and inequality remains.
7:09:04 pm
President Zuma now paying homage to "all that fought for freedom".
Notes all the presidents of the ANC, members past and present of the ruling party.
Steve Biko and Helen Suzman get a special mention too.
7:07:08 pm
President Zuma makes special note of the fact the state of the nation address takes place "in a special year for this country" in reference to the 100th anniversary of the ANC.
7:04:41 pm
President Zuma missing out nobody in his greeting.
7:02:06 pm
President Zuma is now in parliament's chambers. Speaker of the house Max Sisulu calls Zuma to address the joint sitting of parliament. The President makes his way to the podium, greeted by great applause.
6:59:25 pm
President Zuma is now on the steps of parliament's entrance. Hand clutching his breast as Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika is sung. A 21 gun salute follows as planes fly overhead. True pomp and ceremony!
6:58:09 pm
President Zuma making a note of waving to all who have assembled next to the red carpet. Crowds are singing 'wuZuma yo – My president!'
6:51:34 pm
President Jacob Zuma has arrived for his state of the nation address. He is making his way up the red carpet. He is warmly received by the masses assembled next to Parliament Avenue.
7:26:16 pm
With a view to tackling unemployment there will be a major infrastructure drive. Along with this there will be five major geographically-focussed programs in different sectors around the country.
7:24:31 pm
Zuma says the government has begun to write a new story about South Africa. A country where unemployment is driven back and economic inequality and poverty is reduced. "We must not lose this momentum."
7:22:27 pm
Zuma going through the government's achievements in 2011. Notes decent growth in employment and strides being made in education. Concedes there are many challenges. i.e. We are getting there but it's not getting any easier.
7:18:30 pm
According to Zuma 356 000 people were newly employed in 2011. "All these new jobs come from the formal sector of the economy."
7:16:30 pm
The way Zuma is starting his speech, you get the feeling there is going to be a HUGE focus on the economy and plans to adjust things to fight unemployment.
7:13:50 pm
Zuma notes there was great growth in 2003-2007 but laments the fact unemployment "remained stubborn"
7:11:01 pm
Zuma says the mid-term review by cabinet indicates great progress in the fight against crime & aids, provision of healthcare and widening education. BUT says the triple challenge of poverty, unemployment and inequality remains.
7:09:04 pm
President Zuma now paying homage to "all that fought for freedom".
Notes all the presidents of the ANC, members past and present of the ruling party.
Steve Biko and Helen Suzman get a special mention too.
7:07:08 pm
President Zuma makes special note of the fact the state of the nation address takes place "in a special year for this country" in reference to the 100th anniversary of the ANC.
7:04:41 pm
President Zuma missing out nobody in his greeting.
7:02:06 pm
President Zuma is now in parliament's chambers. Speaker of the house Max Sisulu calls Zuma to address the joint sitting of parliament. The President makes his way to the podium, greeted by great applause.
6:59:25 pm
President Zuma is now on the steps of parliament's entrance. Hand clutching his breast as Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika is sung. A 21 gun salute follows as planes fly overhead. True pomp and ceremony!
6:58:09 pm
President Zuma making a note of waving to all who have assembled next to the red carpet. Crowds are singing 'wuZuma yo – My president!'
6:51:34 pm
President Jacob Zuma has arrived for his state of the nation address. He is making his way up the red carpet. He is warmly received by the masses assembled next to Parliament Avenue.