Ramaphosa's Opening of Parliament Address: COSATU cites high expectations

JOHANNESBURG - The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) says it has high expectations from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Opening of Parliament Address on Thursday.

Ramaphosa is expected to outline the key priorities of the seventh administration in an address, similar to the State of the Nation Address, in Cape Town.

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It will be the first time a joint sitting of the newly established two houses of Parliament is convened, officially marking the start of the new five-year parliamentary cycle.

COSATU spokesperson Matthew Parks said Ramaphosa should to take the country into his confidence about interventions at various state-owned entities.

“There’s a very good infrastructure commitment by government for the next few years but that won’t materialise if we don’t make sure we capacitate local government, Eskom, and Transnet to spend them accordingly. Those are things that will help grow the economy.”

He said the fight against crime and corruption must also be intensified.

“That means giving the police, NPA [National Prosecuting Authority] and the courts the resources they need.”