JOHANNESBURG, Feb. 8 (Xinhua) -- The South African business community and labor on Friday welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa's State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Rand Merchant Bank economist Mpho Tsebe said the SONA has addressed some important issues.
"President Ramaphosa delivered a SONA that sounded all the right notes on Eskom, corruption, job creation and to some extent, healthcare and education. There was something for everyone," said Tsebe.
"Key take-aways are that growth and employment initiatives will concentrate on expanding exports and tourism as well as infrastructure development." she said.
"Though positive, many of his proposed changes lacked detail or discernible timelines. This casts a shadow of skepticism over whether the amendments will actually come into effect." she said.
Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) agreed with Ramaphosa's emphasis on economic growth, the pressing need to create jobs and prioritize skills and education.
BUSA President Sipho Pityana welcomed the establishment of a commission on the 4th industrial revolution.
Pityana said, "Of significance is accelerating the release of high-speed spectrum, which will aid efforts to ready South Africa for the 4th Industrial Revolution, as well as the president's emphasis on creating a conducive environment in which business, inclusive of small business, can participate in the economy."
He also welcomed Ramaphosa's commitment to deal with corruption.
BUSA said the SONA was unequivocal in sketching South Africa's national priorities and unambiguous about its policy direction, setting the country on the course to become a dynamic future-oriented economy.
Former South African President Frederik de Klerk said the address has some interesting elements that may indicate a different approach and a stronger emphasis on the need to correct what has gone wrong in the last nine years.
De Kelrk also welcomed Ramaphosa on prioritizing urgent issues and acknowledging the task at hand.
Ramaphosa presented the SONA in Parliament on Thursday night. He talked tough on corruption and the need to restore confidence in crucial entities, like the National Prosecuting Authority, South African Revenue Service and Eskom.
