The opening of parliament on Thursday, coinciding with Nelson Mandela Day, felt reminiscent of past events for many observers.
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address during the joint session of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces sparked moments of enthusiasm and applause.
Historically, South African governments, including the current government of national unity (GNU), have faced criticism for presenting impressive plans that often falter in execution.
One notable announcement that received applause was the policy shift towards appointing qualified individuals to manage local government, crucial for effective service delivery.
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Ramaphosa highlighted a national initiative aimed at revitalizing the City of eThekwini to restore its former status, with similar efforts planned for other struggling municipalities.
The effectiveness of these plans will depend on how Ramaphosa navigates intra-party politics, which have previously led to the appointment of incompetent officials and subsequent problems like deteriorating infrastructure and failing municipalities.
Ramaphosa also promised to transform South Africa into a massive construction hub, with extensive projects for dams, roads, hospitals, schools, and other infrastructure.
This pledge echoes a similar promise made by former premier Mbhazima Shilowa, who significantly developed Gauteng, including the launch of the Gautrain. However, many of Shilowa’s achievements have since deteriorated due to poor maintenance and a lack of political will.
Ramaphosa faces constraints from coalition partners who may oppose economic reforms for ideological reasons. His comments on land restitution revealed a shift from the previous stance of confiscation without compensation to utilizing state-owned land for restitution, which might discourage true justice for those who lost land.
If the new construction projects and other initiatives fail to address the needs of those marginalized by years of oppression, then the rhetoric will be meaningless.
