4 February 2000
Preliminary Response To The President's State Of The Nation Address The President's State of the Nation speech, delivered today, conveyed a message of hope for the entire nation. It emphasised that we remain on course as a nation working towards a better life for all. Our economic outlook is positive and the necessary structures to implement our programmes are largely in place, which stands in good stead for the future.
It was also a clarion call to action. It gives clear direction and marching orders to nation towards addressing those challenges facing us at the present time - the contents thereof deserve to be embraced by all South Africans who are serious about transforming and rebuilding our society.
In essence the speech was a continuation of the State of the Nation address delivered by the President when he took office six months ago, where he had already made certain specific pronouncements on what the priorities of the Government would be over the next period of time.
Despite the far-reaching statements made then, he today made equally profound proclamations. The implementation of these commitments will undoubtedly take us forward. These, the President emphasised, would receive greater elaboration by the relevant Ministers.
The President is commended for managing to cover all areas of priority - it shows that he is clearly in-tune with the needs and aspirations of the people of South Africa. South Africans can confidently say that we have received our flight-plan towards the over-arching goal of a better life for all.
Smuts Ngonyama
Head of Presidency and Communications
African National Congress
Johannesburg