Sapa
Expectations for President Jacob Zuma’s State of the Nation address varied widely, with some wishing it would culminate in him announcing his retirement.
Cope leader Mosiuoa Lekota said it was time for Zuma to confess to his failures when he opens Parliament today.
“The president …should announce his resignation from politics with immediate effect.”
Lekota said he expected Zuma would “piggyback” on the achievements of Nelson Mandela and his successor Thabo Mbeki.
“Beyond that, he will make vacuous promises, skirt challenges, and offer nothing concrete at all,” he said.
The Federation of Unions of SA (Fedusa) said Zuma should focus on the challenges facing the country, such as health for all through the National Health Insurance system.
While the country had seen improvements in the number of work opportunities created, much more needed to be done.
Fedusa general secretary Dennis George said Zuma needed to give clear direction on how the government intended to deal with the economic and social impact of service delivery protests.
Trade union Solidarity cautioned Zuma against making “expensive promises” on greater government spending.
“The more president Zuma promises to do and spend, the greater the pressure will be on the taxpayer, a pressure that will also result in increases in government debt,” said spokesman Piet le Roux