Ahead of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (SoNA), this evening, the African National Congress (ANC) assured that it remains steadfast in its resolve to overcome challenges facing the country and to continue steering South Africa toward prosperity.

Ramaphosa will deliver his eighth SoNA with many expectations from citizens, political parties and business. The ANC said Ramaphosa would be delivering the address amidst progress and challenges.

“This year's State of the Nation Address is expected to reflect on the gains we have made as a nation as well as affirm our determination to defend our democracy from opportunistic elements that are set on undermining the unstoppable programme of transformation. The address must be a beacon of hope as it accounts on commitments made whilst pointing us all in the direction that must now be taken to transform South Africa in the interest of a better life for all,” said the ANC.

NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE BILL

The ANC also asserted its commitment to bring the controversial National Health Insurance (NHI) to fruition.

It said it “strongly” supports the NHI Bill as a vital step towards achieving universal healthcare coverage.

The Bill was processed by the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces last year and sent to the President to be signed into law.

The NHI Bill was met with criticism, however, with business groups pushing Ramaphosa to delay signing it into law, saying that it did not pass constitutional muster and would likely lead to many legal and social troubles down the line.

In an open statement to Ramaphosa, Business Unity South Africa and Businesses for South Africa petitioned the President to first test the constitutionality of the NHI Bill before signing it into law.

However, the ANC believes that by pooling resources and addressing disparities, the NHl will improve health outcomes nationwide.

Ramaphosa’s spokesperson Vincent Magwenya noted that Ramaphosa was still considering the NHI Bill and that the President’s legal advisers were looking at the proposed legislation.

SOUTH AFRICAN SUCCESS

Meanwhile, the ANC said that it also celebrated the country’s achievements on the global stage, from “asserting moral leadership” to showcasing the talents of South Africans in sports and in music.

“Despite global shocks like the Covid-19 pandemic and geopolitical unrest, South Africa's resilience shines through, propelling us on an upward trajectory despite economic setbacks. This year's State of the Nation marks the culmination of an extraordinary term of office characterised by several severe global shocks, as well as the rise of South Africa's prominence as an international moral authority on the global stage,” the ANC said.

The party noted that the sixth administration faced the daunting task of reinvigorating and fortifying the State, which It said had been weakened by corruption and counter-revolutionary elements.

Through concerted efforts, the ANC said significant progress has been made in combating corruption and rebuilding State institutions.

The party said that the ANC-led government had dramatically improved access to education from early childhood right through to post-school education.

Nearly every young person aged 15 to 24 years of age is literate, and adult literacy now stands at 85%, up from only 64% in 1996.

“Today we have a growing black and skilled professional sector. Many interventions have been introduced, including school fee exemption, the school nutrition programme and scholar transport which ensures that poverty does not stand in the way of children's access to quality education. It is this administration that has seen the highest percentage of people writing matric and passing matric, a testament to the ANC's commitment to education for all,” the party pointed out.