President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to deliver the annual State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday evening, outlining his vision for the upcoming year amidst South Africa’s myriad challenges.
Business Unity South Africa (Busa) expects President Ramaphosa to address key areas of concern, particularly emphasizing the necessity for government-business collaboration in energy, logistics, and combating crime and corruption.
Busa underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in tackling pressing national issues, emphasizing the need for joint efforts to address energy sustainability, logistical improvements, and law enforcement.
James Mackay, CEO of the Energy Council, emphasizes the significance of Sona as a platform for the president to reaffirm commitments to sustainable energy initiatives, highlighting the potential for boosting investor confidence and fostering economic growth.
The organization cites recent progress in sectors like energy and logistics, such as the collaboration between Transnet Freight Rail and the private sector, as promising examples of effective partnership.
Additionally, Busa anticipates announcements regarding crucial legislation, including the National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Bill, aimed at fostering greater cooperation between the public and private sectors.
Emphasizing the importance of municipal governance, Busa calls for a focus on service delivery and infrastructure improvements, urging the president to address administrative shortcomings to better meet citizens’ needs.
Finally, Busa stresses the necessity for President Ramaphosa to demonstrate a firm commitment to combating corruption, holding wrongdoers accountable, and ensuring effective prosecution processes.