President Cyril Ramaphosa in his Opening of Parliament of Address spoke about the issues as expressed in National Development Plan (NDP), which must remain the foundation on which we build a safe, prosperous, equal and united South Africa. With that said, the true test for the President will be his ability to present a cohesive government, at all levels, to present a united agenda to the people of South Africa and Parliament.
As outlined in our People’s Manifesto, hunger and food security; jobs and economic growth; energy; water and sanitation services; and violent crime remain the issues that affect South Africans, so we are encouraged by mention and innervations of these matters. These issues must be expressed in the budgets over the next five years.
The Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement in October is also of great importance, as the President spoke about specific priorities, which must have specific targets and timelines that are budgeted for. This requires urgency and a change in thinking about how government works.
RISE Mzansi has long stated that local government must be at the centre of economic growth and job creation, they therefore require proper support and investment; and we will support these interventions.
South Africans are understandably looking for change today, so there must be urgency on the part of government in outlining specific targets and measurable on which Parliament can hold the Executive accountable.
As RISE Mzansi, we will work with President and the Executive to ensure that every word and every rand and cent spent over the next five years is accounted for. Our work is to ensure that this government works for the people.