Zuma to Shed Light on Government Top Priorities in Pivotal Address

President Jacob Zuma of the Republic of South Africa speaking at the Pan-African Parliament in Midrand on October 26, 2009. The RSA is the host for the PAP.
Originally uploaded by Pan-African News Wire File Photos

Zuma to shed light on govt top priorities in pivotal address

February 10 2010 , 5:47:00

President Jacob Zuma is expected to shed light on progress made in the realisation of government's five key priorities during his State of the Nation Address tomorrow evening. Last year, he identified education, health, rural development, crime and job creation as his main priorities for the year.

The other highlight will be celebrating the country's achievements since President Nelson Mandela's release. Symbolically, the address coincides with the anniversary of the release of Mandela from prison. Mandela served 27-years in prison on charges of sabotage and other crimes allegedly committed while leading the movement against apartheid. It is likely to be a core message of President Zuma's address tomorrow evening. The president is likely to use Madiba's legacy to call for the nation to unite.

South Africa is still faced with challenges in the areas of health, crime, education, job creation and rural development. His response to the challenges facing the people that is much anticipated. Predictably, unemployment and crime are the biggest concerns for the ordinary people. They hope the president will give more details on how to deal with these challenges.

Last year, he promised to create 500 000 job opportunities by December last year but, almost a million were lost.

Zuma is also expected to use his address to make a call to the country to make the World Cup a success.

For the first time in South African history, the president's important address will take place in the evening. Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said that more people will be able to watch Zuma’s address in the evening, saying: “The motivation is to allow more South Africans, especially the workers, students and school children who do not have access to television sets while at work or at school to follow the proceedings.”

For those on the move and need regular updates on the State of the Nation Address, call 082 155 and for more on the address and to watch the live stream, visit www.sabcnews.com.