In the lead-up to the State of the Nation Address (Sona) in South Africa, the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) has voiced harsh criticism of President Cyril Ramaphosa, suggesting that his impending speech is not worthy of attention.
This reaction is steeped in the history of unfulfilled promises and the ongoing narrative of ineffective governance under the African National Congress (ANC).
Outa's Call for Protest
Outa, a civil action organization in South Africa, has recommended a boycott of the event as a form of protest against the ANC's poor leadership and management of the country.
The organization's stance is a reflection of the public's growing frustration with the ANC's failure to address the country's pressing challenges: crumbling infrastructure, rampant corruption, and widespread inefficiency.
These issues have resulted in South Africa losing its competitive edge against other African nations.
Lofty Promises and Unfulfilled Expectations
Outa predicts that Ramaphosa's Sona address will likely include lofty promises - a hallmark of his tenure.
Among such expected promises are the development of a smart city
outside Johannesburg and the establishment of high-speed rail networks.
Promises which, as history has shown, have not come to fruition.
The organization argues that instead of empty rhetoric, what is truly needed from the president is a candid acknowledgment of the nation's dire situation, with a focus on tangible improvements and construction.
ANC's Declining Support and the General Election
Meanwhile, support for the ANC seems to be waning as the general election approaches.
The latest poll suggests a potential fall in the ANC's support to 38.
5% nationally.
Voter turnout will play a crucial role in determining the election outcome, with a low turnout potentially benefiting the ANC.
There is also skepticism about the viability of a national coalition government, given the political instability and service delivery collapse in the wake of local-level coalitions.
