Better, this time
PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma delivered his state of the nation address, focusing as expected, on jobs, rural development, education and health.
IMPROVED RATINGS: President Jacob Zuma delivering his 2012 State of the Nation Address SpeechHowever, he dwelled on infrastructure development more than anything else. We know and understand that the setting up of that infrastructure will require labour, which means jobs will in turn be created. However, will those jobs be sustainable over the years?
This is one of our significant speeches in the country, where the president reports on the status of the nation. The government declared 2011 as the year for job creation. In his address last year the president promised to create 500000 jobs but they managed to create only 365000. As much as the results are encouraging, this goes to show that there is still too much of a gap between promises and delivery.
These results raise a question of whether the jobs created are permanent or temporary. He should have given more clarity. The government cannot work alone on the country's challenges and the involvement of the private sector is essential. The number of Grade R enrolment doubled from 300000 in 2003 to 705000 in 2011. This is a major achievement, but the question is how many will reach matric? What is the government's plan to keep these children at school, ensuring they reach Grade 12?
Over the years dropout rates were very high. Too many dropped out before Grade 12, because of a number of reasons.
Serious crimes declined by 5% compared to 2010-2011. That is absolutely encouraging.
His presentation was much better, with a bit of humour.
Zamansele Mhlambi
Midrand
