8 February 2023

POISED TO EMERGE UNITED AND STRONGER IN THE BATTLE OF IDEAS FOR THE BUILDING OF A NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY

On the 9th February 2023, the President of South Africa, Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, will once again take the public podium to account to South Africans about the state of South Africa. 

For us in the ANC, this is not just an annual ritual, but an important moment to afford South African citizens an opportunity to assess the state our democracy and to engage in a broader public dialogue on what should be done to realise the vision of a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, united and prosperous South Africa. 

We are ready, as the African National Congress, to engage with the President State of the Nation Address constructively, with honour and integrity. We will do this not to posture but as a critical part of our mandate to strengthen parliamentary oversight and accountability. 

This derives from the historic mission of our existence, namely: to be at the service of the people for a better future.

As we approach the 2023 State of the Nation Address, we do so to listen to constructive inputs by those who disagree with us. That is part of our constitutional democracy. 

Our task as a governing  party is not only limited to our members and supporters, but includes the task of building and strengthening our hard fought for democracy which was not free. 

Because we have a responsibility to ensure that Parliament does its oversight responsibilities based on a Rules based approach, we will not be distracted by intolerant, undemocratic political upstarts, populists and demagogues who disrespect and undermine the Rules and decorum of Parliament. This behaviour is reprehensible and should be condemned by all patriotic South Africans.

Issued by the Office of the Chief Whip, Hon. Pemmy Majodina 

For enquiries, please contact:

Luthando Nogcinisa

Office of the Chief Whip

076 385 1440