SONA 2020: Ramaphosa vows to fix the fundamentals

In his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that critical action would be taken this year to build a capable state and place South Africa’s economy on a path of inclusive growth.

SONA 2020: Ramaphosa vows to fix the fundamentals
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address has met with favourable response from role players in the agriculture sector.
Photo: Photo by Gallo Images/Jeffrey Abrahams
- Advertisement -

In his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that critical action would be taken this year to build a capable state and place South Africa’s economy on a path of inclusive growth.

“This year, we fix the fundamentals,” said Ramaphosa.

READ The reality ahead of SONA 2020

- Advertisement -

Dr John Purchase, CEO of Agbiz, welcomed Ramaphosa’s emphasis on inclusive economic growth to address key challenges facing South Africa.

“We are particularly delighted that the president recognised the challenges in logistics that could slow South Africa’s agricultural exports.”

In his address, Ramaphosa said South Africa’s ports were congested and inefficient, and announced that a complete overhaul of the Durban port would be undertaken this year to reduce delays and costs.

Although load-shedding was unavoidable and would remain a possibility for the immediate future, Ramaphosa said measures would be implemented over the next two months that would fundamentally change the trajectory of energy generation in the country.

He said the Integrated Resource Plan of 2019 would be given effect to allow for the development of additional grid capacity from renewable energy sources.

The changed attitude towards energy generation, including the move to renewable energy, was welcomed by the agriculture sector.

READ Agri SA calls on Ramaphosa to ‘stop talking and take action’

According to Omri van Zyl, CEO of Agri SA, it was one of the positive points of this year’s SONA.

“For agriculture, this is a game changer. Agri SA already has the investors who are going to implement green energy in South Africa.”

“I was very impressed with the president’s speech as he touched on most important issues, especially the issues that affect farmers’ energy usage,” said Aggrey Mahanjana, group managing director of the National Emergent Red Meat Producers’ Organisation.

He added that, unlike in previous years, the address was comprehensive and had the necessary detail on how various strategies will be implemented.

Ramaphosa said agriculture was one of the sectors that could play a large role in job creation, and confirmed that government would release about 700 000ha of state land for agricultural production this year.

Previous articleIndia reports crop damage as locust plague spreads to Asia
Next articleChallenges to feeding a growing population
Jeandré Du Preez is the newest addition to the Farmer’s Weekly team. Originating from a Riversdal farming family, she has farming in her blood. After school she furthered her studies at Stellenbosch and has been working as an agricultural journalist for the past two years. She says she feels privileged to write about an industry paramount to the survival of all South Africans and is inspired by the innovative solutions with which the farming community bridges the many challenges they face. She enjoys being able to combine work with travel and appreciates the modesty and friendliness with which South Africa’s farmers share their accomplishments. She enjoys being able to combine work with travel and appreciates the modesty and friendliness with which South Africa’s farmers share their accomplishments. If she is not writing or visiting farms, you’ll find her relaxing with a good mystery novel or exploring her other passions: travelling and cooking.