FILE PHOTO: DA leader John Steenhuisen during the Sona debate held at the Cape Town City Hall. PICTURE: Phando Jikelo/ANA
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0 CAPE TOWN: The DA leader launched a blistering attack on Mr Ramaphosa’s leadership of the country since he came into office in 2018.
Democratic Alliance (DA) leader, Mr John Steenhuisen lambasted South Africa’s president, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, saying he was guilty of something worse than what he once accused former president, Mr Jacob Zuma of — if Mr Zuma presided over “nine wasted years”, then Mr Ramaphosa was responsible for “five disastrous years”.
Mr Steenhuisen, speaking on Tuesday during the debate on the State of the Nation Address (Sona) at Cape Town City Hall, described Mr Ramaphosa as a failed leader who is “too weak, too indecisive and too cowardly” to make bold decisions to move South Africa forward.
“If you thought we ‘lost some gains’ under [Mr] Zuma, then under this administration, we have only gained losses,” said Mr Steenhuisen.
Mr Steenhuisen said South Africa spent a total of six days under load shedding in 2018 when Mr Ramaphosa took the helm at the Union Buildings.
“Since then [2018], it has gone up every year – first to 22 days, then 35 days, then 48 days. Last year, it grew to 157 days.
“Sadly, it looks like 2023 is going to smash that shameful record. Already this year, we have had over 1 000 consecutive hours of load shedding and counting,” he said.
With the country’s myriad socioeconomic challenges, the DA leader said Mr Ramaphosa’s popular Thuma Mina (send me) slogan was an empty slogan.
“Yes, the new dawn was a cruel mirage. Yes, Phala Phala [scandal] showed us who he really is.
“Yes, we too wonder why he is still doing this job because it is now quite clear [Mr] Ramaphosa has failed.”
Mr Steenhuisen further said the president’s Sona last Thursday was a chance for him to redeem himself, but he failed to do so.
“Last Thursday will forever be remembered as the day that history overtook President Ramaphosa.
“By failing to listen to the cries of the people and doubling down on the failed ideology of state control that caused the crisis in our country, the government has effectively deserted us,” he added.
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