Thank you, Mr President, now let’s all get to work

"Cyril Ramaphosa has in one speech managed to bring back dignity, hope and clarity to South Africa,” says Ben Theron, OUTA’s COO.

“OUTA is looking forward to being a partner on this journey towards respect for the rule of law, Parliament and other institutions. President Ramaphosa’s speech displays deep knowledge of the problems facing South Africa and his willing to address these head on,” says Theron.

“However, we will not hesitate to fight wrongdoing.”

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) welcomes President Ramaphosa’s acknowledgement that the country’s past has been mired in poor economic growth and plundering of state coffers, and the plan for a substantial reassessment of the disastrous state-owned entities, the promise of attention to the National Prosecuting Authority and SARS, and the reminder of the principles of Batho Pele.

“His comments that those involved in wrongdoing related to corruption will be attended to are extremely motivating, as it is our view that only when we hold the corrupt to account will the message becomes clear to others that corruption and wasteful expenditure will not be tolerated,” says Wayne Duvenage, OUTA’s CEO.

“South Africa’s future looks bright, if indeed the many initiatives of growth and opportunities the President spoke of are attended to, such as job creation, youth employment, rural economic stimulation and industrial hubs. The promises to address the dysfunctional mining charter, encourage small business incubation, expand agriculture and tourism, and address crime, are extremely encouraging.”

This was a visionary SONA, which will now take our country forward with renewed energy, hope and nation building.

Rebuilding trust between society and the Government is essential. A key part of that will be a Cabinet reshuffle, as new leadership is urgently needed to implement this vision, starting with the replacement of Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba, a key architect of state capture, along with Bathabile Dlamini, Mosebenzi Zwane, Lynne Brown, Des van Rooyen, Faith Muthambi, Nomvula Mokonyane, Bongani Bongo and David Mahlobo.

OUTA welcomes and supports the reminder of the need for transformation of our society, the call for everyone to work together and the reminder of Hugh Masakela’s wonderful song.

“Mr President, OUTA’s team say, we too, want to lend a hand. Send us,” says Theron.