urView is a recurring feature on the Bokomosa Ba Rona Blog. What’s your take on things? Use comments to leave your thoughts about the discussion below.
YOUR IMPRESSIONS OF PRESIDENT ZUMA’S 2010 STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS?
VISION FOR THE NATION
“In the two decades since the release of Madiba, our country has changed fundamentally. President Mandela united this country behind the goal of a non-sexist, non-racial, democratic and prosperous South Africa. As we celebrate Madiba’s release today, let us recommit ourselves to building a better future for all South Africans, black and white.”
YOUTH
“We are impressed by the enthusiasm of the youth about the occasion. 266 children from all provinces participated in the pre-State of the Nation debate on the role of the youth in the fight against poverty.”
EMPLOYMENT
“The most urgent focus of policy change must be interventions to create jobs for young people. Unemployment rates for young people are substantially higher than the average. Proposals will be tabled to subsidise the cost of hiring younger workers to encourage firms to take on inexperienced staff.”
EDUCATION
“We have placed education and skills development at the centre of this government’s policies. In our 2010 programme, we want to improve the ability of our children to read, write and count in their foundation years. Unless we do this, we will not improve the quality of education. Our education targets are simple but critical. We want learners and teacher to be at school in class on time, leaning and teaching for seven hours a day.”
HEALTH
“Another key outcome is to ensure a long and healthy life for all South Africans. We will continue to improve our health-care system. This includes building and upgrading hospitals and clinics.”
