GNU will ensure SONA commitments become a lived reality

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister, Velenkosini Hlabisa, has assured President Cyril Ramaphosa that the Government of National Unity (GNU) will ensure that commitments made to the nation are fulfilled.

“Honourable President, the GNU will ensure that the commitments you made to the nation do not become empty promises, but a lived reality,” he said during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) debate in Parliament on Tuesday.

Members of Parliament (MPs) discussed President Ramaphosa’s SONA, which was delivered last Thursday, addressing issues such as tensions with the United States and the fallen soldiers in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), among others.

The President’s address emphasised economic growth, job creation, infrastructure development, and the reduction of household expenses.

“At the heart of this vision is a government that works for its people. The GNU must, therefore, be applauded for its commitment to building a capable, ethical, and developmental state, comprising ethical, skilled, and properly qualified public servants.

“This work has already begun under the capable leadership of the Minister of Public Service and Administration, Honourable Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi,” said Hlabisa.

He welcomed the President’s recognition of the role traditional leaders can play in improving service delivery.

State of municipalities

Hlabisa acknowledged citizens’ concerns regarding failing municipalities and the urgent need for improved local governance.

“Basic services must be delivered, and delivered efficiently,” he told MPs.

He identified resource constraints as a key challenge affecting many municipalities and argued that the current funding model exacerbates inequality between wealthy and impoverished areas.

“A new funding model is essential—one that considers each municipality’s unique needs and challenges and ensures a more equitable distribution of resources.”

Infrastructure development

Hlabisa supported the President’s focus on new infrastructure projects but emphasised the importance of maintaining and upgrading existing infrastructure.

“To rebuild South Africa, we need to rebuild our education system, our healthcare system, and our economy.”

Public healthcare

He expressed support for the National Health Insurance (NHI) but raised concerns over its feasibility and affordability in its current form.

“Government must prioritise strengthening the existing public healthcare system, which is plagued by inefficiencies and shortages of equipment and medical personnel.”

Growing the economy

Hlabisa welcomed the government’s commitment to job creation and economic growth.

“We look forward to the implementation of the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP), particularly in relation to the three strategic priorities: driving inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty, and tackling the high cost of living.”

The MTDP serves as a roadmap for translating the commitments of the seventh administration into actionable programmes and policies.

Global developments

Turning to international matters, Hlabisa expressed concern over the diplomatic fallout surrounding the Expropriation Act.

“We condemn those who spread misinformation and work against our collective national interest to rebuild South Africa. That said, Honourable President, the IFP believes greater clarity and certainty must be provided on key issues of the Act, such as compensation and the definition of public interest.”

He also paid tribute to the 14 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers who lost their lives in the escalating conflict in the DRC’s Goma region. The soldiers were part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), aimed at restoring peace and stability in Africa’s second-largest country.

“Their selfless sacrifice will never be forgotten. We support initiatives to restore peace across the continent, knowing that peace and stability are essential for economic development, social justice, and human dignity. Abrupt withdrawal would not be in the interests of the continent.”