Urgent action needed to resolve load shedding, corruption - Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa says many South Africans are rightly concerned about the state of the nation.
He acknowledged that critical governance issues, including the electricity crisis and corruption, needs urgent action from government.
On Thursday, Ramaphosa responded to the State of the Nation Address debate which took place over the past two days following last week's address.
Opposition parties described his SONA as uninspiring and lacking accountability.
They highlighted continuous power cuts as an indication that the government has failed the people.
"Many people cannot find jobs, even people with jobs wonder if they will be able to provide for their families as the cost of living increases," Ramaphosa said.
"Load shedding has had a devastating impact on every aspect of their lives.
“The State Capture Commission revealed the scale of corruption that unfolded over the course of a decade. Violent crime continues to plague communities across our country. Many municipalities are struggling to provide the basic services that people need.
“As we reflect on the journey we have travelled, we must acknowledge the severe challenges that we still face."
Ramaphosa said the government has been working hard to curb corruption over the last five years.
"Over the last five years, we have made great advances in tackling corruption, including bringing those responsible for state capture to justice. We have been rebuilding law enforcement agencies and other anti-corruption bodies because it is only through strong, effective and independent institutions that we can safeguard against a return to state capture.
“We established the Investigating Directorate in the NPA to undertake prosecution-led investigations of corruption, and will soon make it a permanent structure. We established the SIU Special Tribunal to recover stolen funds and have strengthened coordination between bodies like the Hawks, Special Investigating Unit, Financial Intelligence Centre, SARS and the NPA.
“The SIU has been increasingly effective in uncovering acts of corruption and wrongdoing in the state, and we have put in place mechanisms to ensure that the SIU’s referrals are implemented. All of this work has helped to turn the tide against corruption.
“As recommended by the State Capture Commission, we are putting in place laws, institutions and practices that reduce the potential for corruption of any sort and on any scale,” added Ramaphosa.
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