As Ramaphosa is expected to deliver his first GNU SONA address, IOL News reported on Monday that political analyst Goodenough Mashego said Ramaphosa might argue that progress has been made in combatting organised crime.

“He will focus on illicit mining and extortion gangs, which are among the biggest threats facing South Africa,” Mashego said.

“The operations at the Stilfontein, in the North West, could serve as an example, stating that the police went heavy on illegal miners and that it has sent a warning to other potential illegal miners that the government is not going to stand by.”

On unemployment, which now stands at 32.1%, Mashego suggested that Ramaphosa might highlight job creation through government incentives such as the presidential emergency stimulus package and the National Health Council and the National Research Council.

“There will likely be numbers showing employment opportunities created, however, critics will argue that these figures may not reflect the reality,” Mashego said.

Ramaphosa is likely to stress his success in passing the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill, despite strong opposition from the DA and other parties, and concerns over its implementation and costs.

The NHI advocates the creation of a state fund to cover the medical costs of all South Africans – most of whom do not have private medical care.

The controversial scheme further bars South African citizens from taking out private health insurance for treatment paid for by the fund.

“He will point out to the legislature the victory of signing the bill into law, even though its implementation is still hanging in the balance,” Mashego told IOL News.

IOL Politics