This document provides a summary of South African President Jacob Zuma's 2017 State of the Nation Address. Some key points include: - The economy is recovering but not growing fast enough to create needed jobs, so the government is focusing on key areas in its Nine Point Plan like industrialization and agriculture. - Basic services have expanded with nearly 7 million households now having electricity, and work continues on energy, water, and infrastructure projects. - Education improvements include replacing inappropriate school buildings and prioritizing math and science education. - Tourism has increased with over 9 million arrivals in 2016, up 13% from 2015. - Poverty programs like social grants and expanded public works continue providing support.

1. SONA speech2017
The Speakerof the National Assembly,
The Chairpersonof the National Council of Provinces;
DeputySpeakerof the National AssemblyandDeputyChairpersonof the NCOP,DeputyPresident
Cyril Ramaphosa,
FormerPresidentThaboMbeki,ChiefJustice MogoengMogoengandall esteemedmembersof the
judiciary,
MinistersandDeputyMinisters,
PremiersandSpeakersof Provincial Legislatures,Chairpersonof SALGA,The Headsof Chapter9
Institutions,Chairpersonof the National House of Traditional Leaders,
The Presidentof the MuslimJudicial Council andall Leadersof faithbasedorganisations,
The formerSpeakerof the National Assembly,DrFrene Ginwala,
Veteransof the struggle forliberation,
Membersof the diplomaticcorps,
FellowSouthAfricans,
Good evening,sanibonani,molweni,dumelang,goeie naand,lotshani,riperile,ndimadekwana,
Thank youMadam SpeakerandMadam Chairpersonforthisopportunitytoaddressthe jointsitting
of Parliament.
An illustrioussonof ourcountry,PresidentOliverReginaldTambo,wouldhave turned100years old
thisyear,had he lived.
Thisselflesspatriothisadultlife toatirelesspursuitof the liberationof ourcountryanditspeople.
He leftalastinglegacyforall SouthAfricans,andnot onlyforhis organisation,the ANC.
In hishonour,we have declaredthe year2017, the Year of OliverReginaldTambo.Itisthe year of
unityinactionby all SouthAfricansas we move SouthAfricaforwardtogether.

2. We have the pleasure tohostmembersof the Tambofamilythisevening,MrDali Tambo withhis
wife Rachel,andtheirsonOliverTamboJunior.
We alsofondlyrememberMamaAfrica,MiriamMakeba,who made historywhenshe addressedthe
UnitedNationsin1963, appealingforactionagainstthe apartheid regime.
We extendawarmwelcome tohergrand-daughterZenzile MakebaLee andgreat-grandson
Lindelani.
Compatriots,
In this23rd yearof our freedom,ourmissionremainsthe questfora united,democratic,non-sexist,
non-racial andprosperousSouthAfrica.
Guidedbythe National DevelopmentPlan,we are buildingaSouthAfricathatmust be free from
poverty,inequalityandunemployment.
While the global economicenvironmentremains uncertain,indicationsare thatwe have entereda
periodof recovery.We anticipate aneconomicgrowthrate of 1.3 per centin2017 followingan
estimated0.5per centin2016.
However,the economyisstill notgrowingfastenoughtocreate the jobswe need.There are some
of ourpeople,includingyouth,whohave notworkedforyears.
It isfor thisreasonthat we decidedtofocuson a few keyareaspackagedas the Nine PointPlanto
reignite growthsothatthe economycan create much-neededjobs.
The focus areasinclude industrialisation,miningandbeneficiation,AgricultureandagroProcessing,
energy,SMMEs, managingworkplace conflict,attractinginvestments,growingthe oceanseconomy
and tourism.
We alsoaddedcross-cuttingareassuchas science andtechnology;Waterandsanitation
Infrastructure;TransportInfrastructure;andBroadbandRollout.
I wouldlike toprovide areportback onthe workdone insome of these areasinthe past year.

3. The interactionthatwe startedlast yearbetween government,businessandlabour,knownasthe
CEO Initiative,hasbeenmosthelpful.We were abletoaddresssome domesticchallengestogether.
We successfullyavoidedcreditratingsdowngradeswhichwouldhave hadsignificantimpactonour
economy.
Our labourmarketenvironmentisalsoshowingsignsof stability,due tocooperationbysocial
partners.The mannerinwhichpartiesconductedandcarriedthemselvesduringthe wage
negotiationsinthe platinumsectorinparticular,mustbe applauded.
Unityin actionwas alsodemonstratedagainthisweekwiththe conclusionof the agreementonthe
National MinimumWage andon measurestostabiliselabourrelations.
Thisfollowsacall I had made inthe State of the NationAddresson14 June 2014.
We congratulate the DeputyPresidentandthe teamatNEDLAC for thismilestone andwishthem
well forworkthat still needstobe done.
Compatriots,
The extensionof basicservicestothe people continuedinthe pastyearas we pursuedabetterlife
for all.To date nearly7 millionhouseholdshave beenconnectedtothe gridand now have
electricity.
The successful executionof the Eskom’sbuildandmaintenance programmeshelpedensure stability
and an endto load-shedding.
Work iscontinuingto ensure energysecurity.Renewable energyformsanimportantpartof our
energymix,whichalsoincludeselectricitygenerationfromgas,nuclear,solar,wind,hydroandcoal.
Governmentiscommittedtothe overall IndependentPowerProducersProgramme andwe are
expandingthe programme toothersourcesof energyincludingcoal andgas,in additionto
renewable energy.

4. Eskomwill signthe outstandingpowerpurchase agreementsforrenewableenergyinlinewiththe
procuredrounds.
Governmentisworkinghardtoensure reliablebulkwatersupplyinthe variousareasof the country
to supporteconomicgrowthwhilstincreasingaccesstovulnerableandrural municipalities.
In an efforttocurb the highwater losseswhichinsome municipalitiesfarexceedsthe national
average whichiscurrentlyat 37%; about tenthousandunemployedyouthare beingtrainedas
plumbers,artisansandwateragents.More will be recruitedthisyeartoreachthe total of fifteen
thousand.
We call uponmunicipalitiestosupportthe War on Leaksprogramme.
We continue tobuildmodernschoolsreplacingmudstructuresandotherinappropriatebuildings
throughthe AcceleratedSchoolsInfrastructuredeliveryInitiative,(ASIDI).Thisgivesourchildren
dignity.
A total of one hundredandseventythree inappropriate structureshave beeneradicatedsince 2011.
In total,895 newschoolsnowprovide aconducive learningenvironmentforourchildren.
On Investmentpromotion,GovernmenthasestablishedInvestSA,aninvestment One StopShop
nationallyandwill openprovincial centresinKwaZulu-Natal,Gautengandthe WesternCape. The
message isclearto the affectedgovernmentdepartments.There mustbe noundue delaysandno
unnecessaryredtape.Fromissuinglicencestovisas,we shouldmake iteasytodobusinessinSouth
Africa.
Compatriots
PresidentORTambowasa mathsand science teacher.Governmentwillthusprioritise mathsand
science more thaneverbefore thisyear,inhismemory.

5. We are encouragedbyrecent international testresults.
The resultsinthe Trendsin International MathematicsandScience Studyandthe SouthernandEast
AfricanConsortiumforMonitoringEducational Qualityshow thatthe performance of SouthAfrican
learnersisimproving.
Amongstthe participatingcountries,SouthAfricahasshownthe largestimprovementof 87 pointsin
Mathematicsand 90 pointsinScience.
Thisis veryencouragingaswe don’twantour childrentobe leftbehind.
Our investmentinscience andtechnology isyieldingresults.
Since SouthAfrica,supportedbyitseightAfricanpartners,wonthe bidtohostthe Square Kilometre
Array telescope,significantprogresshasbeenmade inbuildingthismegascience projectand
reapingitsbenefits.
Togetherwith itsprecursor,the MeerKATtelescope,the SKA projectcontinuestomake important
contributionstosocio-economicdevelopmentinSouthAfrica.
Workingcloselywiththe industry,the Departmentof ScienceandTechnologyisimplementinga
technologylocalizationstrategy.Thishasensuredthatthe twobillionrandMeerKATtelescopeis
constructedwithseventyfive percentlocal content.
Thishas ledto jobcreationinthe NorthernCape and diversificationof the economythroughthe
creationof artisan and maintenance jobs,andthe promotionof science asacareer of choice.
On road infrastructure,Sanral hasstartedwiththe planningphase of the 4.5 billionrandprojectto
upgrade the currentMoloto road.
Sakhaumgwaqokanye nololiwekuMolotoRoadukuze kuphephe izimpilozabantungobaizingozi
sezithathe imiphefumuloeminingi kuleyandawo.

6. During2016, SouthAfricaalsosigneda co-operationagreementwiththe People’sRepublicof China
to buildthe MolotoRail DevelopmentCorridor.
In 2014 we launchedthe operationPhakisaBigFastresultsmethodologyinthe oceaneconomy,
health,educationandminingsectors.The purposewastofinda few keyprojectswhere we could
unlockgrowthinimplementingthe NDP.
All projectsare proceedingwell.
The South AfricanNavyalsoparticipatesinthe Phakisaprojectandispreparingtohostthe
governmentgarage conceptforall state-ownedvesselsinSimon’sTown,includingthe maintenance
and repairof government-ownedvessels,throughthe newlyestablishedSouthAfrican
Navy/ARMSCOR/Denelpartnership.
We hadidentifiedtourismasakeyjobdriver.We are thuspleasedthatour touristarrival numbers
for the periodJanuarytoNovember2016 increasedtonine million,anincrease of justover one
millionarrivalsfrom2015. Thisrepresentsathirteenpercentgrowthintouristarrivals.
Governmentrunseffective povertyalleviationprogrammessuchasthe ExpandedPublicWorks
Programme.Inaddition,social grantsnow reachclose to 17 millionpeople,mainlyolderpersons
and children.Manyfamilieswouldnotbe able toputfoodon the table if itwere notfor social
grants.
The ExpandedPublicWorksProgramme hassince 2014, createdmore than twomillionwork
opportunitiestowardsthe attainmentof the targetof six millionworkopportunitiesbythe endof
March 2019. Of the work opportunitiescreated,more thanone millionhave beentakenupbythe
youth.
During2015/2016, more than sixtyone thousandworkopportunitieswerecreatedthroughthe
Environmental ProgrammessuchasWorkingforWater, WorkingforWetlands,WorkingonFire and
Workingfor Ecosystems.More than60% of the beneficiarieswereyoungpeople.
Governmentworkingwithsocietyisfightingsocial illsthatare tearingcommunitiesapartsuchas
drugsand substance abuse.FromSoshanguve toRosettenvilleorKwaMashuto the Cape Flats,
communitiesare indifficultybecause of the drugs.

7. Otherthan lawenforcement,the provisionof treatmentandpreventionservicesisalsocritical.
The Departmentof Social Developmentisbuildingnew publictreatmentcentresinprovinceswhere
there are no such facilities,inthe NorthernCape,NorthWest,Limpopo, Free State andthe Eastern
Cape.
Workingtogetherwe will save ouryouthfromdrugs.
On healthmatters,the National HealthInsurance isourflagshipprojectthatisaimedatmoving
SouthAfricatowardsUniversal HealthCoverage.
The NHI will be implementedina14 yearperiodinthree phases.
We are in the midstof the firstphase whichisthe preparatoryphase,whichstartedin2012.
Compatriots
We are deeplydistressedbythe deathof somanypsychiatricpatientsinGauteng.
Mentally ill patientsare some of the mostvulnerable membersof society,whoneedprotectionfrom
the state itself andsocietyasa whole.Ihave instructedthe Ministerof Healthtoensure thatthe
HealthOmbudsperson’srecommendationsare whollyandspeedilyimplementedwithoutany
reservations.
We welcome the recommendationof the HealthOmbudspersonthatthere isanurgentneedto
reviewthe National HealthAct2003 and the Mental HealthAct2002 witha view thatcertainpowers
and functionsrevertbacktothe National Ministerof Health.
Once more,we extendourheartfeltcondolencestoall familiesandrelativesof the deceased.
Governmentwill provide supportsothatfamiliesdonotface thisburdenalone.The Premierof
Gautengand the Ministerof Healthhave alreadyprovidedthisassurance.

8. A lotmore work hasbeendone inthe past yearin implementingthe Nine PointPlanandall our
programmes.Ministerswill reportfurtheronthe programmesduringthe budgetvotes.
Honourable Members,
I wouldnowlike tospeakonour prioritiesforthe yearahead.
Political freedomaloneisincompletewithouteconomicemancipation.
OliverTambospoke clearlyaboutthismissionatan SACPanniversarymeetinginLondonin1981.
He said:
“The objective of ourstruggle inSouthAfrica,assetout inthe FreedomCharter,encompasses
economicemancipation.Itisinconceivableforliberationtohave meaningwithoutareturnof the
wealthof the countryto the people asa whole.
“To allowthe existingeconomicforcestoretaintheirinterestsintactistofeedthe rootsof racial
supremacyandexploitation,anddoesnotrepresenteventhe shadow of liberation.
“It istherefore afundamental featureof ourstrategythatvictorymust embrace more thanformal
political democracy;andourdrive towardsnational emancipationmustinclude economic
emancipation.”
What do we meanby radical socio-economictransformation?
We meanfundamental change inthe structure,systems,institutionsandpatternsof ownership,
managementandcontrol of the economyinfavourof all SouthAfricans,especiallythe poor,the
majorityof whomare Africanandfemale,asdefinedbythe governingpartywhichmakespolicyfor
the democraticgovernment.
Twentytwoyearsintoour freedom anddemocracy,the majorityof blackpeople are still
economicallydisempowered.Theyare dissatisfiedwiththe economicgainsfromliberation.
The gap betweenthe annual average householdincomesof African-headedhouseholdsandtheir
white counterpartsremainsshockinglyhuge.
White householdsearnatleastfive timesmore thanblackhouseholds,accordingtoStatisticsSA.

9. The situationwithregardstothe ownershipof the economyalsomirrorsthatof householdincomes.
Onlytenpercent of the top one hundredcompaniesonthe JohannesburgStockExchange are owned
by blackSouthAfricans,directly-achievedprincipally,throughthe blackempowermentcodes,
accordingto the National EmpowermentFund.
The pace of transformationinthe workplace,the implementationof affirmativeactionpoliciesas
requiredbythe EmploymentEquityAct,alsoremainsveryslow.
In termsof the 2015/16 informationsubmittedtothe EmploymentEquityCommission,the
representationof whitesattopmanagementlevel amountedto72 percentwhilstAfrican
representationwasat10 percent.
The representationof Colouredsstoodat4.5% andIndians8.7%.
The report furtherprovidesthatwhite SouthAfricans,inparticularmales,are affordedhigherlevels
of recruitment,promotionandtrainingopportunitiesascompared,tothe designatedgroups.
At the level of genderatseniormanagementlevel,malesremaindominantat67.6% andfemalesat
32.4% percent.
The skewednature of ownershipandleadershippatternsneedstobe corrected.There canbe no
sustainabilityinanyeconomyif the majorityisexcludedinthismanner.Inmydiscussionswiththe
businesscommunity,theyacceptedthese transformationimperatives.
Today we are startinga newchapterof radical socio-economictransformation.We are sayingthat
we shouldmove beyondwords,topractical programmes.
The state will playarole inthe economyto drive thattransformation.Inthisregard,Government
will utilise tothe maximum, the strategicleversthatare available tothe state.

10. Thisincludeslegislation,regulations,licensing,budgetandprocurementaswell asBroad-based
Black EconomicEmpowermentCharterstoinfluencethe behaviourof the private sectoranddrive
transformation.
The State spendsfive hundredbillionrandayear buyinggoodsandservices.Addedtothisisthe
nine hundredbillionrandinfrastructurebudget.Thosebudgetsmustbe usedtoachieve economic
transformation.
As a start, the newregulationsmakingitcompulsoryforbigcontractorsto subcontract30 percentof
businesstoblackownedenterpriseshave beenfinalisedandwere gazettedonthe 20th of January.
Throughsuch regulationsandprogrammes,governmentwillbe able touse the state buyingpower
to empowersmall enterprises,rural andtownshipenterprises,designatedgroupsandtopromote
local industrial development.
Two keychallengeswe face isthe highlevelsof concentrationinthe economyaswell asthe
collusionandcartels,whichsqueeze outsmall playersandhamperthe entryof youngentrepreneurs
and blackindustrialists.
The competitionauthoritieshave doneexcellentworktouncoverthe cartelsand punishthemfor
breakingthe law.
Last year I signedintolawaprovisiontocriminalizethe cartelsandcollusionanditcame intoeffect
on 1 May. It carriesjail sentencesof upto10 years.
We are now steppingupouractionsto deal withthe otherchallenge,namelyeconomic
concentration,where asmall groupingcontrolsmostof amarket.
Duringthisyear,the Departmentof EconomicDevelopmentwillbringlegislationtoCabinetthatwill
seektoamendthe CompetitionAct.Itwill amongothersaddressthe needtohave amore inclusive
economyandto de-concentrate the highlevelsof ownershipandcontrol we see inmanysectors.
We will thentable the legislationforconsiderationbyparliament.
In thisway,we seektoopenup the economytonew players,give blackSouthAfricansopportunities
inthe economyandindeedhelptomake the economymore dynamic,competitiveandinclusive.
Thisis our visionof radical economictransformation.
Compatriots,

11. Governmentisactivelyinvolvedinthe propertysector,havingprovidedmore thanfourmillion
housessince 1994.
Thissector inour countryis valuedatapproximatelyseventrillionrand,withthe subsidisedsector
beingvaluedatone pointfive trillionrand.
However,lessthanfive percentof the sectorisownedormanagedby Blackpeople andAfricansin
particular.A draft PropertyPractitionersBillwill be publishedbythe Departmentof Human
Settlementsforpubliccommentwiththe purposeof establishingamore inclusive,representative
sector,towardsradical economictransformation.
Amongkeyprioritiesthisyear,Governmentwill alsoaddressthe increasingdelaysandbacklogsin
registrationandissuingof title deedstobeneficiariesof housingprojectsfundedbythe capital
subsidy.
Compatriots,
We reiterate thatradical economictransformationshouldmeanmoving beyondshare ownership
schemesonly.
We wouldlike tosee blackpeopleinvolveddirectlyinbusiness,owningfactories.The development
of the BlackIndustrialistsprogrammeisthuscritical.
The programme has frominceptionsupportedmore than22 entrepreneurs.
Governmenthasfurtheropportunitiesinthe propertymaintenance projectsof the Departmentof
PublicWorks.
The Departmentwill investapproximatelyone hundredmillionrandthisyearoncritical capital and
maintenance programmestomodernise harbours.Theywill alsocontinue generatingrevenue from
lettingstate ownedharboursandcoastline properties,whichwill benefitblackownedSMMEs.
Governmentwill alsocontinue topursue policiesthatseektobroadenthe participationof black
people andSMMEs, includingthose ownedbywomenandthe youth,inthe Informationand
CommunicationTechnologies(ICT) sector.
We assure the youththat the loweringof the costof data isuppermostinourpoliciesandplans.

12. Compatriots,
Mininghas alwaysbeenthe backbone of oureconomyandan importantforeignexchangeearner.
We welcome the recoveryincommoditypriceswhichhasresultedinanupswinginminingoutput.
Thisaugurs well forthe industry.
The MiningCharter iscurrently beingreviewed.The Charterseekstorecognise the internationally
acceptedrightof the state to exercise sovereigntyoverall the mineral andpetroleumresources
withinthe Republic.
It isalso aimedathelpingthe countrytode-racialise the ownershipof the miningindustry.Thiswill
helpensure the sustainabilityof thisindustry.
We trustthat discussionsbetweengovernmentandbusinessonthe Charterwill yieldresultssothat
the processcan be finalised.
We will continue topursue directstate involvementinmining.The MiningCompanyof SouthAfrica
Bill will be presentedtoCabinetandParliamentduringthe year.
The Mineralsand PetroleumResourcesDevelopmentAmendmentBillwassentbackto Parliament
so that issuesrelatingtothe publicconsultationprocessundertakenbyProvincial legislaturescanbe
addressed.
We trustthat it shall be processedandreturnedforfinalizationwithoutmuchdelaysothatthe
concernsrelatingtouncertaintyraisedbybusinesscanbe resolved.
Governmentcontinuestoworkwithotherstakeholderstocombatillegal miningtosave livesandto
preventthe traffickingof preciousmetalsanddiamonds.

13. We alsocontinue toplace greatemphasisonthe healthandsafetyof mineworkerswhichisso
crucial to the sustainabilityof the miningsector.Workingwiththe miningcompanieswe canensure
that livesare protectedatall times.
The tragic accidentthat occurredat LilyMine outside inMpumalangaearlierin2015 is the firstof its
kindthat we have experiencedsince the dawnof democracy.
The familiesare goingthroughimmensepainandfrustration.
Compatriots,
It will be difficultif notimpossible,toachievetrue reconciliationuntil the landquestionisresolved.
Onlyeightmillionhectaresof arable landhave beentransferredtoblackpeople,whichisonly9.8
percentof the 82 millionhectaresof arable landinSouthAfrica.
There has alsobeena 19 percentdecline inhouseholdsinvolvedinagriculture from2,9millionin
2011 to 2,3 millionhouseholdsin2016.
We hadstatedour intentionof usingthe ExpropriationActtopursue landreformandland
redistribution,inlinewiththe Constitution. Ihave now decidedtoreferthe Bill backtoParliament
for reconsiderationonthe basisthatthe Bill mightnotpass constitutionalmaster.Thisisdue to
inadequate publicparticipationduringitsprocessing.
We trustthat Parliamentwill be able tomove withspeedinmeetingthe requirementssothatthe
lawcan be finalisedtoeffecttransformation.
The reopeningof landclaimsisalsostill onholdbecause the Restitutionof LandRightsAmendment
Act, 2014 wasdeclaredinvalidbythe Constitutional Court.
The Constitutional Courtfoundthatthe publicconsultationprocess facilitatedbythe National
Council of Provincesandsome ProvincialLegislatures,didnotmeetthe standardsetinthe
Constitution.

14. Goingforward,governmentwillcontinuetoimplementotherprogrammessuchasthe
Strengtheningof RelativesRightsprogramme,alsoknownasthe 50-50 programme.
In thisprogramme,the farmworkersjointogetherintoalegal entityandtogetherwiththe farm
ownera newcompanyisestablishedandthe workersandthe ownerbecome jointowners.
To date 13 proposalshave alreadybeenapprovedbenefiting921 farmdwellerhouseholdsata value
of R631 million.We applaudfarmersandfarmworkersforthisinnovation.
Most importantly,we appeal tolandclaimantstoacceptlandinsteadof financial compensation.
Over90% of claimsare currentlysettledthroughfinancialcompensationwhichdoesnothelpthe
processat all.It perpetuatesdispossession.Italsoundermineseconomicempowerment.
Governmenthascommitteditself tosupportblacksmallholderfarmers.
I receivedamemorandumfromthe AfricanFarmersAssociationof SouthAfricawhosaythe year
2017 mustbe the yearof the commercialisationof the blacksmall holderfarmers.
Indeed,Governmentwill implementacommercialisationsupportprogramme for450 black
smallholderfarmers.
We encourage more womentoconsiderfarming.Ihave asa special guesttoday,the 2016 Female
Farmerof the Year, Ms VaneciaJanse fromKoukammamunicipalityinthe EasternCape.
Compatriots,
Our farmerswentthrougha difficultperiod lastyearbecause of the drought.
To date,an estimatedamountof 2.5 billionrandwasmade available forthe provisionof livestock
feed,waterinfrastructure,drilling,equippingandrefurbishmentof boreholes,auctionsalesand
otherinterventions.
Furthermore,the IndustrialDevelopmentCorporationandthe LandBankavailedfundingof about
five hundredmillionrandtodistressedfarmerstomanage theircreditfacilitiesandsupportwithsoft
loans.
Compatriots,
PresidentORTambowasa championof women’srights.
We will continue tomainstreamthe empowermentof womeninall governmentprogrammes.
Governmentwill continue toprioritise women’saccesstoeconomicopportunitiesand,inparticular,
to businessfinancingandcredit.

15. Thisis the freedomthatheroinesof the struggle suchasthe late Dora Tamana of Gugulethuhere in
Cape Town foughtfor.I am pleasedtohave hersonMongezi Tamana as a guesttoday.
Compatriots,
In December2015 universitystudentsvoicedtheirconcernsaboutthe costof highereducation.
Theycorrectlypointedoutthataccumulateddebtandfast risingfeeswere makingitharderand
harderfor those whocome from less-privilegedhouseholdstoenterandstaywithinthe education
systemuntil theycompletetheir studies.
It isfor thisreasonthat whenuniversitystudentsexpressedgenuineconcernsabout beingexcluded
fromuniversities,ourcaringgovernmentrespondedappropriatelybytakingoverthe responsibility
to pay the fee increase forthe 2016 academic year.
Governmentalsosettledall debtowedbyNSFASstudentsandextendedthe coveragetolarger
numbersof studentsthaneverbefore.
At the time of tablingthe 2016 MediumTermBudgetPolicyStatement,ourgovernmentannounced
additional measures aimedatmakinghighereducationaccessibletomore studentsfromworking
classfamilies.
Governmenthasprovidedfundstoensure thatnostudentwhose combinedfamilyincomeisupto
six hundredthousandrandperannumwill face fee increasesatuniversitiesandTVETcollegesfor
2017.
All studentswhoqualifyforNSFASandwhohave beenacceptedbyuniversitiesandTVETcolleges
will be funded. The universitydebtof NSFASqualifyingstudentsfor2013, 2014 and2015 academic
yearshas beenaddressed.Intotal,governmenthasreprioritisedthirtytwobillionrandwithin
governmentbaselinestosupporthighereducation.
We are ensuringthatour deservingstudentscanstudywithoutfearingthatpastdebtswill prevent
themfromfinishingtheirstudies.

16. In the remainingyearsof thisadministration,ourpolicieswill responddirectlytothe following
concernsthat the studentshave placedfirmlyonthe table:
Firstly,the studentshave expressedconcernthatthe NSFASthresholdof one hundred andtwenty
twothousandrand istoo low.We will have tolookintothismatterwiththe view to raisingthe
thresholdona phasedbasisinthe periodahead.
Secondly,the studentshave pointedoutthatthe full costof studyat some universitiesishigherthan
the subsidythatNSFASprovides.
As a result,NSFASstudentswhostudyatsome universitiesthatcharge higherfeesendup
accumulatingdebt.Ourgovernment-initiatedprocessesare alreadylookingatthisissue too.
Honourable MembersandFellow SouthAfricans,studentsandtheirparentsshouldunderstandthat
the needsforserviceslike water,sanitation,earlychildhooddevelopmentandgoodpublictransport
have to alsobe addressed,alongside accesstoqualityhighereducationandtraining.
But our commitmenttofindingsustainable solutionstothe fundingof the social wage ingeneral,
and education,inparticular,isunwavering.
As the processesthatwe have setinmotiondraw toa close,suchas the HeherCommission,the
Ministerial TaskTeam,broaderengagementswithstudents,universityandTVETSleadershipand
civil society,we will findresourcestogive expressiontoourpolicies.
I invite all stakeholderstoparticipate inthe processesthatare underwayso that noview isnot
heard.
No greatideashouldbe excluded.Assoonasthe broadestsectionsof oursocietyagree onwhat to
do,our governmentwill take stepstoreprioritise resourcestoimplementitona phasedbasis.
Let usengage to identifythe mostpressingneeds, andallocate ourlimitedresourcesaccordingly.Let
us buildourself-reliance andmove forwardinthe spiritof unity.
Compatriots,

17. The fightagainstcrime is an apex priority.The police will increase visible policing,buildingonthe
successful patternof deploymentsutilisedduringthe SaferFestiveSeasonCampaign.
Theywill alsoutilisecertainspecializedcapabilities,suchasthe Tactical Response Teamsand
National InterventionUnits,toassistinaddressingproblematichigh-crime areas.
We receivedamessage fromSoshanguvelastweekthatcrime isrife inBlockL and thathijackings
and robberiesare high.Itissuch communitiesthatneedtobuildstrongerpartnershipswiththe
police toensure thatcriminalsdonotprey onresidents.
Othermeasurestofightcrime nationallywill include the establishmentof SpecialisedUnits,focusing
on drug-relatedcrime,taxi violenceandfirearmsandthe enhancedutilisationof investigative aids
such as forensicleads.
The Police will alsoenhance the utilisationof the DNA Database inthe identificationof suspects.
We urge the publicto workwiththe police toensure safercommunities.
Compatriots
We welcome the decline inRhinopoachingincidentssince October2015 whichisforthe firsttime in
a decade.Thisarisesfromintensivejointoperationsbylaw enforcementagencies.
Compatriots,
One of the strategiesof fightingcrime istoensure thatthose whoare releasedfromprisondonot
commitcrime again.
The Departmentof Correctional Servicescontinuestoworkhardto turn prisonsintocorrectional
centresthroughofferingvariousservices.Asaresult,compliance levelswithparoleandprobation
conditionshave improvedtoreacha historicmarkof 98 percent.
The country has alsomade goodprogressinreducingthe numbersof childrenincorrectional
centres.

18. Compatriots,
The promotionof access to justice wasgivenaddedmeaninglastyearwhenthe HighCourtDivision
inLimpopowasopenedinNovember.
The Mpumalanga HighCourt will be completedduringthisfinancial year.The comingintooperation
of these twohighcourtsmeansthat we have now realisedthe goal of a HighCourt ineveryprovince
of the country.
Compatriots
The fightagainstcorruption continues. Withinthe National ProsecutingAuthority,the Asset
Forfeiture Unitcompletedthree hundredandeightynineforfeiture casestothe value of three
hundredandfortynine millionrand.
Theyobtainedthree hundredandtwentysix freezingorderstothe value of sevenhundredand
seventynine millionrand.
A total of 13 millionrandwasrecoveredincaseswhere governmentofficialswere involvedin
corruptionandother relatedoffencesinthe pastyear.
Compatriots
OliverTambosetthe tone for the country’sforeignpolicyasearlyas1977 whenaddressingthe first
Congressof the AngolanrulingpartyMPLA that:
“We seektolive inpeace withourneighboursandthe peoplesof the worldinconditionsof equality,
mutual respectandequal advantage”.
SouthAfricais honouredtochairthe SouthernAfricanDevelopmentCommunity(SADC) starting
fromAugust2017. We will utilise ourtenure tofast-trackthe implementationof the SADCIndustrial
Strategy.
We are acceleratingthe integrationagendathroughthe implementationof SADC-COMESA-East
AfricanCommunityFree Trade Area.

19. We will continue withourinvolvementinourmediationefforts,peacekeepingoperations,and
peace-makinginitiativesinLesotho,DemocraticRepublicof Congo,Burundi,Mozambique,South
Sudan,SomaliaandLibya.The SANDFrepresentsthe countrywell inthe peacekeepingmissions.
Furthermore,trade withourtraditional partnersinthe westremainsasignificantcontributortoour
economy.
We will continue to partnerwiththe UnitedStatesandworktogetheronissuesof mutual interest
such as the full renewal of AGOA.
We value ourrelationshipwiththe People’sRepublicof China.Chinaisone of SouthAfrica'smost
importantandkeystrategicpartners.We recognise the PRC'as the sole GovernmentandAuthority
representingthe whole of China'.
SouthAfricareiteratesitspositionandcommitmenttothe 'One ChinaPolicy'andwe consider
Taiwanas an integral partof the PRC.
At continental partnershiplevel,the JointAfrica-EUStrategyremainsanimportantlong-term
frameworkforcontinuedcooperation.
The Economic Partnershipagreementwiththe EUcame intoforce inSeptember2016 thus providing
newmarketaccessopportunitiesforSouthAfricanproducts.
Almostall SouthAfricanproducts,about99% will have preferential marketaccessinthe EU.
About96% of the productswill enterthe EU marketwithoutbeingsubjectedtocustomsdutiesor
quantitative restrictions.
The SouthernAfricanCustomsUnionMercosurPreferential Trade Agreementhasalsoenteredinto
force,providingpreferentialaccesstooverone thousandtariff lines.Thisisanagreementthat
promotesSouth-Southtrade.

20. Our cooperative partnershipswithotherregionsare bearingfruits.The BRICSNew Development
Bank has recordedencouragingprogress.
We welcome the GoaBRICSHeadsof State and Governmentdecisiontoestablishthe BRICSRating
Agencysothat we can assisteachotherin assessingour economicpaths.
We are also pleasedwithagreementswithourBRICSpartnersinthe fieldof agriculture.We will
implementoff take agreementsonthe exportof pulses,mangosandporktoIndia.
We will alsoexporttwentythousandtonsof beef toChina peryearfor a periodof 10 years.
We will continue topursue the reformof the international systembecausethe currentconfiguration
underminesthe abilityof developingcountriestocontribute andbenefitmeaningfully.
Thisyear marksthe 50th anniversaryof the occupationof Palestine.
The expansionof Israelisettlementsunderminesglobal effortsaimedatrealisingthe twostate
solutionandthe Osloaccord. We wishto reiterate oursupportforthe Palestiniancourse.
Similarly,we hope that the readmissionof Moroccoto the AU shouldserve asa catalystto resolve
the WesternSahara issue.
Let me add that SouthAfricawill use ArmedForcesDayon21 February,2017, to markthe
Centenarycommemorationsof the tragicsinkingof the SSMendi whichleft646 soldiersdeadin
1917.
Compatriots
The Constitutionaccordsequal rightsanddignitytoall SouthAfricans.The UnitedNations
proclaimed13 June as InternationalAlbinismAwarenessDay.We shoulduse thisdayto raise
awarenessandeliminate the discriminationorharmthat compatriotswithalbinismare subjectedto
insome areas.
Siyagcizelelaukuthi abantuabanebalaelimhlophebangabantu,bafananabobonke abantuezweni.
Akuphele ukubahlukumeza.Aziphele nezinkoleloezingekhongabo.
I have the pleasure tointroduce MsNomasontoMazibukothe executivedirectorof the Albinism
Societyof SouthAfrica,one of my special guests.

21. The sports fraternitytragicallylostone of itsfavourite sons,JoostvanderWesthuizenearlierthis
week.The musicindustryhaslostpopulargospel musiciansrecentlySifisoNcwaneandLundi
Tyamarha as well asmaskandamusicianNganeziyamfisa.
We extendourcondolencesonthe lossof these publicfigureswhohave contributedtothe
country’ssportsand arts.
Compatriots,
Let usunite indrivingradical economictransformationforthe goodof our country.
In the wordsof PresidentTambo;
“WorkingtogetherasfellowSouthAfricans,we have itwithinourpowertotransformthiscountry
intothe landof plentyforall,where the nightmare of apartheidwill justbe afaintmemoryof the
past.“
I thankyou.