Ramaphosa's maiden SONA lacking - opposition
Opposition parties have welcomed some of the president's announcements, but say they are not convinced his plans will work.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a range of measures to tackle the major challenges currently facing South Africa.
While his maiden State of the Nation Address primarily focused on weak economic growth, unemployment and corruption, he also announced a range of other plans.
#SONA2018 Ramaphosa says young South Africans will be moved to the centre of the economic agenda.
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) February 16, 2018
But opposition parties remain sceptical.
DA leader Mmusi Maimane says Ramaphosa's plans lacked detail while his EFF counterpart Julius Malema says there is no clear plan of action.
"You can't be announcing initiatives even - and I welcome the opportunity for young people to be employed - but we must make sure we finance those programmes and they are not there," Maimane remarked in the parliamentary precinct.
Ramaphosa announced a Jobs Summit during his address saying, "At the centre of our national agenda in 2018 is the creation of jobs, especially for the youth".
But Maimane says it will take "bold and decisive action" to turn South Africa around.
He says the address contained the same promises as those made by Ramaphosa's predecessor, Jacob Zuma.
"At this point in time in sounded like Mr Zuma was doing a good job," says Maimane.
#SONA2018 Ramaphosa: We will accelerate the land redistribution programme not only to redress a grave historical injustice, but also to bring more producers into the agricultural sector and to make more land available for cultivation.
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) February 16, 2018
Apart from the Jobs Summit, Ramaphosa further announced, among others, a Social Sector Summit and a Youth Working Group.
The EFF says the number of initiatives and summits announced indicates Ramaphosa "has got no clear plan on how he's going to change the lives of our people".
Julius Malema however welcomed a number of announcements, including land expropriation without compensation and clear steps to tackle corruption.
"We will be holding him accountable if he thinks that he can come here and just bluff us," explains Malema.
ALSO READ: Cyril Ramaphosa full SONA speech
The Congress of the People (COPE), Freedom Front Plus (FF-Plus), and African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) raised concerns over the land matter.
"This has got the potential to destabilise our society," says Cope leader Mosioa Lekota, stressing Ramaphosa needs to delve into the details of who's property will be taken.
However a wide range of parties such as the United Democratic Front (UDM), ACDP, DA and IFP say they are willing to work with Ramaphosa to move South Africa forward.