Analysts seek implementation plans in Ramaphosa's Opening of Parliament Address

CAPE TOWN - As President Cyril Ramaphosa attempts to weave a tapestry from the different parties that make up the Government of National Unity (GNU) to deliver his opening address, analysts say the proof will only be in the pudding.

The president on Thursday night is expected to list economic growth and security concerns as some of his government's top priorities for the next five years.

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However, some are skeptical that none of the plans have taken into consideration the possible difficulty of implementing the many ideas contained in the GNU.

Even the best-laid plans must have some room for error, which is the approach some hope the president takes when he sets out plans for the country for this term of office.

Analyst Sanusha Naidu said while it's important to listen out for signals on the country's structural challenges, citizens should be equally concerned about the Ramaphosa’s implementation plans.

“They are not mutually exclusive. What the president says in the speech and what is implemented are actually about mutual benefit, mutually co-existed.”

Meanwhile, Gareth Newham from the Institute of Security Studies, who'll focus on Ramaphosa's approach to crime and security, said Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu's briefing this week was encouraging.

Newham said he's hopeful that the birth of the GNU will mean depoliticised crime-fighting efforts.