UASA Media Release: 6 February 2024
Image Source: @PresidencyZA from X.
Statement by Abigail Moyo, spokesperson of the trade union UASA:
After thirty years of democracy, Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) will give South Africans an opportunity on Thursday to reflect on the progress of our country’s growth and development.
Over the past seven years, we have seen few improvements and much deterioration. Most people live their lives with no hope for a better future.
Corruption is rampant, unemployment remains high, last year saw 332 days of load-shedding, infrastructure and logistics crumble, and high inflation and interest rates continue. Clean running water, housing and proper sanitation remain a myth to millions of South Africans.
The simple truth is that it is worse than before, and we have heard it all in the past.
As we await the date for the 2024 general elections, UASA urges Ramaphosa to put South Africans first for once. We do not want to hear about milestones achieved in the past, the effects and aftermath of COVID-19 on economic growth, or any of the on-repeat promises.
Instead, we’d like to hear from a leader who displays abilities, plans and strategies to further the lives of South Africans.
We remind Ramaphosa of his promises since 2018:
• Economic transformation and job creation.
• Solutions to the energy crisis, especially Eskom and the load-shedding disaster.
• Investment turnaround plans on bailouts made to SEOs.
• Realistic measures for the security cluster to combat high crime rates and gender-based violence.
• Two million jobs for the youth.
We want delivery on those promises and an end to economic despair.
Each year, South Africans have, without fail, made clear their concerns by public outcry to no avail.
Where to from here?
• What about the future of the countless graduates sitting at home unemployed and those who will be added to the numbers after every graduation ceremony?
• What happened to 4IR developments, technology and industrial advancement when our economy, industries, and ordinary citizens are at Eskom’s mercy?
South Africans no longer want to be “re-assured” by smooth sentences delivered from a stand. We demand practical and visible plans for a better future.
UASA calls on our leaders and government to use this year’s SONA to reflect on growth, achievements, failures and disappointments that have befallen our nation in the past years and how they can be turned into positives for the nation.
For further enquiries or to set up a personal interview, contact Abigail Moyo at 065 170 0162.