PRESS RELEASE

7 February 2025

SONA 2025

It is what is not being said that really matters

by Gerhard Papenfus

Economic growth at a rapid pace will go a long way to address many of South Africa’s socio-economic ills.

The ANC does not necessarily disagree with this. What they disagree with is how to achieve this. While a free market, the respect for private property rights and the creation of a conducive environment for business growth are the only ways to achieve this, the ANC, however, has adopted a path informed by the National Democratic Revolution - a path that will eventually lead to the same failed outcomes witnessed in all socialist economies.

The ANC’s failing economic policies are made even worse by their obsession with race, which is manifested in policies and legislation that will persistently continue to eat away at the soul of South Africa like a cancer for as long as the ANC persists with them.

For as long as the ANC clings to these ideologies, which are entrenched in their destructive policies and legislation, the economy will not grow. This is simply a fact. Merely talking about growth, will not result in growth; like building a structure on sand, without a foundation: the structure, the plan will fail.

This has resulted in the failure of all the ANC’s plans and projects thus far, and, unless the ANC realises the dismal failure of its ideology and policy, its inability to govern will continue.

The President did not state a single thing last night that illustrates any desire to change course on the most fundamental and pressing issues. More is required from a state of the nation address than rambling through a to-do-list. What is required is an honest sharing and assessment of the nation’s ills and a vision of how to address them. For that, however, the country needs a leader, a visionary… something we unfortunately do not have.

The President’s failure to address the complex dynamics of the Government of National Unity, is a slap in the face of ordinary South Africans. We can clearly see what is happening; the least we expected was for the President to honestly enlighten the public on the way forward. 

ISSUED BY

Gerhard Papenfus

Chief Executive (NEASA)

MEDIA CONTACT

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Media Liaison (NEASA)

083 393 4435

media@neasa.co.za