Zuma’s state of the nation address – an underwhelming experience

SUZANNE BELLING

Darren Bergman, DA Member of Parliament, said “The only two differences between the State of the Nation and a fairytale is that a fairytale has a beginning, a middle and an end and the tale is more convincing.

“How many more times will our president prove himself to be out of touch with reality before the party wakes up and recalls him. We needed to hear new ideas and not the same plans rehashed into new wording.

“There was definitely a hint of business influence and no doubt this will be brought out in the budget speech later on.

“We live in a moment whereby citizens need to be assured and know that their government knows and understands the issues at heart and have decisive plans to counter them. This was a moment lost.”

Bergman says he hopes the budget speech will inspire more confidence “and that we will see some glimmer of leadership coming through this lacklustre executive. Let’s hope.”

Strategic consultant Arnold Basserabie told SA Jewish Report: “After a spate of (on that occasion) unwarranted bickering, our State President eventually managed to deliver his Sona on Thursday evening.

“It was clear that whoever drafted the address was acutely aware of the serious problems facing our economy, and the address succeeded in stating many important steps that needed to be taken to stabilise and re-energise the economy.”

Yet Basserabie says the question remains as to whether or how soon the government actually starts to implement these. It is vitally important that the stated good intentions are translated into concrete actions.

“If this is not done, our economic growth will continue to be extremely weak, investors will turn further away from SA and our government, particularly Mr Zuma, will lose further credibility. 

“Democratic South Africa has possibly never been in as much need of competent leadership as it is now. I anticipate that Minister Pravin Gordhan will deliver a solid budget on February 24, which will be positively received by investors and rating agencies. They will, however, be looking to see if the government follows through on the budgetary objectives and abides by its constraints. If they do, this will augur well for our chances of rebuilding our economy and creating much-needed jobs. “

Basserabie made two final points:

* Zuma’s address was “obviously heavily influenced by the business community (and rightly so). “I haven’t seen any reference to the views of the trade union movement – I’m sure that these will be canvassed, and hope that they will understand and support the vital importance of contributing towards the need to grow our economy. 

* “We should not expect many results in the short term, but taking the right steps in a concerted manner, may significantly improve our national mood and the attitude of local and foreign investors.” This would lead to positive results for all in the country. 

Gil Oved, group co-CEO of the Creative Counsel, was in the gallery experiencing Sona first hand. He said: “The experience of sitting in Parliament is entirely different from watching it on TV.

“While I won’t comment on my political views, I will say that seeing it all in action, makes me immensely proud of our thriving democracy. Having walked towards Parliament through a multitude of peaceful but loud protests and then entering Parliament to see such a mix of backgrounds and cultures and views, I feel inspired and optimistic about our country’s future prospects.”

Eta Smith, of Johannesburg, disagrees. Talking about Pres Zuma, she says: “The man lies to himself. He has no intention of paying back the money (on the Nkandla improvements).”

She felt the actions of the EFF were a “total disgrace” and was concerned about what the world will think.

“The President spoke about saving money, but didn’t refer to spending money – and he is the one spending it.”

Rabbi Ben Isaacson, a card carrying member of the ANC during the Struggle, is bitterly disappointed. “It seems as if the right to freedom of speech is disappearing.

“When people disagree and are thrown out of Parliament, it reminds one of dictatorial regimes that have arisen in Europe.

“Also, it is an absolute shame that it is the ANC that is responsible for the economic downfall and demanding of the people that they should bear the brunt of this.”

Rabbi Isaacson feels that when questions arise as to whether the president of the country should also carry out his financial obligations, “we are really in a bad way.

“It is quite clear to me that Madiba and his brave comrades would have been ashamed of the conduct of the ANC in Parliament. I am including the ANC Youth League which has deteriorated into a howling mob of anti-Semites.”

Businessman Greg Hirschson said: “Same old, same old.” Two options, he feels, would change the situation – either a “regime change” or “an organised tax revolt”.  

“As the old saying goes, ‘you have got to get them by the b**ls, then their hearts and minds will follow’,” he adds.