Finance Minister Tito Mboweni still faces all last year’s challenges such as funding cash-strapped state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and paying a massive public sector wage bill – along with new headaches caused by Covid-19.
GCIS
In a country with high unemployment, it was expected that SONA 2021 would provide a glimmer hope to subvert the poor socio-economic outcomes of unemployment, but the dream for many unemployed South Africans remains out of reach, writes
Sethulego Matebesi.
In Langston Hughes’ poem,
Harlem, the opening line poses a simple yet profound question: What happens to a dream deferred? Hughes then arrives at a provocative conclusion: Maybe it just sags like a heavy load. Or does it explode?
In sharp contrast, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2021 State of the Nation (SONA) address expectedly began by sharing a story of hope, resilience, and inspiration. In a slight departure from his usual presentation style, powerful rhetorical and inspiring themes were a notable feature of the President’s address. By highlighting South Africa’s Covid-19 vaccine roll-out programme, boosting the unemployment rate, economic recovery, and fighting corruption as the government’s key prioriti
SONA 2021: A dream deferred, yet again zimbabwestar.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from zimbabwestar.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Following a year of pandemic and lockdowns, South African employees and companies are looking ahead to the annual Budget Speech on 24 February with a sense of foreboding.
South Africa’s Covid-19 vaccine rollout programme, boosting the unemployment rate, economic recovery and fighting corruption were among a myriad of key points discussed by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the State of the Nation Address on Thursday evening.