Government of National Unity Pledges to Turn Commitments into Reality, Says CoGTA Minister

“Honourable President, the GNU will ensure that the commitments you made to the nation do not become empty promises, but a lived reality,” Hlabisa stated during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) debate in Parliament on Tuesday.

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister, Velenkosini Hlabisa, has assured President Cyril Ramaphosa that the Government of National Unity (GNU) will work diligently to ensure that commitments made to the nation are fulfilled.

“Honourable President, the GNU will ensure that the commitments you made to the nation do not become empty promises, but a lived reality,” Hlabisa stated during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) debate in Parliament on Tuesday.

The debate followed President Ramaphosa’s SONA delivered last Thursday, with Members of Parliament (MPs) addressing various pressing issues, including tensions with the United States and the tragic loss of South African soldiers in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Focus on Economic Growth and Infrastructure

The President’s address highlighted economic growth, job creation, infrastructure development, and the reduction of household expenses. Hlabisa praised the GNU’s commitment to building a capable, ethical, and developmental state, emphasizing the need for ethical, skilled, and qualified public servants.

“This work has already begun, under the capable leadership of the Minister of Public Service and Administration, the Honourable Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi,” Hlabisa added.

Empowering Traditional Leaders and Addressing Municipal Challenges

Hlabisa expressed his encouragement that the President acknowledged the vital role traditional leaders can play in enhancing service delivery. As CoGTA Minister, Hlabisa is responding to citizens’ concerns over the deteriorating state of many municipalities and the failures of local governments.

“Basic services must be delivered, and delivered efficiently,” he emphasized. He pointed to resource constraints as the root cause of the municipal crisis and criticized the current funding model as unsustainable and unequal.

“A new funding model is a must; one that considers each municipality's unique needs and challenges and provides a more equitable distribution of resources,” he asserted.

Infrastructure Development and Public Healthcare

Hlabisa welcomed the President’s focus on infrastructure development, stressing the importance of maintaining and upgrading existing infrastructure alongside new projects.

“To rebuild South Africa, we need to rebuild our education system, rebuild our healthcare system, and rebuild our economy,” he said.

While supporting the National Health Insurance (NHI) initiative, Hlabisa raised concerns about its feasibility and affordability in its current form.

“Government must prioritize strengthening the existing public healthcare system, which is plagued by inefficiencies and shortages of equipment and medical personnel,” he urged.

Driving Economic Growth and Tackling Poverty

Hlabisa welcomed the government’s commitment to job creation and economic stimulation, particularly through the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP). The MTDP is a five-year strategic framework focusing on inclusive growth, poverty reduction, and addressing the high cost of living.

“We look forward to the implementation of the MTDP, particularly in relation to the three strategic priorities of driving inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty, and tackling the high cost of living,” Hlabisa stated.

Global Affairs and Honoring Fallen Soldiers

On international matters, Hlabisa expressed concern over the diplomatic tensions surrounding the Expropriation Act, calling for greater clarity on compensation and the definition of public interest.

“We condemn those who spread misinformation and work against our collective, national interest to rebuild South Africa,” he said.

Hlabisa also honored the 14 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers who lost their lives in the DRC while serving as part of the Southern African Development Community Mission (SAMIDRC).

“Their selfless sacrifice will never be forgotten. We support initiatives to restore peace across the continent, knowing that peace and stability are essential for economic development, social justice, and human dignity. Abrupt withdrawal would not be in the interests of the continent,” he concluded.

The SONA debate will continue today at 2 p.m.