JOHANNESBURG - On 8 February President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the 2024 State of the Nation Address (SONA).
This address marked 30 years into democracy.
Ramaphosa said the 30 years of democracy can be best told through the life of a child called Tintswalo born at the dawn of freedom in 1994.
Tintswalo – democracy’s child – grew up in a society that was worlds apart from the South Africa of her parents, grandparents and great-grandparents.
Ramaphosa said Tintswalo and many others born at the same time as her were beneficial to the first policies of the democratic state.
Painting a picture of progress the President said the lives of millions of South Africans had changed providing the necessities of life and creating opportunities that never existed before.
A diverse economy whose minerals, agricultural products and manufactured goods reach every corner of the world, while creating jobs in South Africa, he said.
Unemployment: Youth Still Bear the Brunt
SONA 2024 Promise:
"Over the last two years, the number of jobs being created has increased every quarter, and we now have more people in employment than before the pandemic." – President Ramaphosa
Reality:
- South Africa’s official unemployment rate dropped marginally to 32.1% in Q3 of 2024 down from 33.5%.
- Government initiatives like the Extended Public Works Programme and SAYouth.mobi have provided opportunities.
The Challenge:
- Youth unemployment remains alarmingly high. In two age categories between 60.2% (15-24 years) and 40.4% (25-34 years) of young adults are jobless.
- Over a third of young people are neither in employment, education, nor training.
National Health Insurance (NHI): Struggling to Take Off
SONA 2024 Promise:
"We plan to incrementally implement the National Health Insurance, dealing with issues like health system financing, workforce, and infrastructure."
Reality:
- The NHI Bill has been passed, but practical implementation has not materialised
- Over 1,800 junior doctors remain unemployed, despite an urgent need for healthcare professionals
- Budget cuts of R1.4-billion has hindered healthcare staff recruitment.
The Challenge:
- Public hospitals continue to struggle with overcrowding, staff shortages, and deteriorating infrastructure.
- Provincial health departments are ridden with corruption scandals with much of the diminishing pot of money available, seemingly squandered.
- The uncertain future of US financial Aid for healthcare initiatives places both patient care and health jobs at risk.
Infrastructure: Progress, but Municipal Failures Persist
SONA 2024 Promise:
"New and innovative funding mechanisms will be utilised to increase construction of infrastructure."
Reality:
Major water and transport projects are underway, including:
- Lesotho Highlands Water Project (Phase 2) - nine-years behind schedule but progressing.
- Hazelmere Dam & Giyani Water Project – Completed.
- Msikaba & Mtentu Bridges – Set to be among the highest in Africa.
- High-Speed Rail Framework (Johannesburg-Durban) approved.
The Challenge:
- Corruption and mismanagement continue to derail infrastructure projects.
- Water crises persist, with aging infrastructure, illegal connections, and poor municipal billing.
- The Department of Public Works has flagged a ‘construction mafia’ of extortionists who target building projects as a major threat.
Crime: Some Gains, but lawlessness remains
SONA 2024 Promise:
"New laws will strengthen the response to gender-based violence and crime."
Reality:
- Crime stats for July-September 2024 showed a decline in serious crimes.
- Between October 2024 to 1 Janurary Operation Shanela targeted crime hotspots, leading to 285,000 arrests.
- Also in the same period of review in Stilfontein alone at least 1,700 illegal suspects were arrested. Overall operation Vala Umgodi led to 18,000 arrests for illegal mining.
The Challenge:
- Crime stats for violent crimes like murder, assault, armed robbery and carjacking are still among the highest in the world.
- Organised crime and illegal mining continue to threaten economic stability.
- GBV remains a crisis despite legislative efforts.
While some progress has been made, many challenges persist.
Unemployment, healthcare failures, infrastructure delays, and crime are the main negatives holding South Africa’s progress back.
As Ramaphosa prepares to deliver SONA 2025, will government provide any solutions beyond promises?
By Zandile Khumalo