A student at the Central University of Technology (CUT), Phemelo Moleme, says “the President should tackle the high unemployment rate” and scrap learnerships altogether because he is of the view that they only provide a temporary solution to unemployment for those with little experience.

Others are of the opinion that South Africa’s economic woes lie in sorting out the situation at the state power utility, Eskom. The Bloemfontein business community in the Free State says steep operational costs – including high electricity bills – are forcing many businesses in the area to close down. One business owner, who asks not to be named, says if President Cyril Ramaphosa could resolve the situation at Eskom, she is of the view that 99,9% of the country’s problems will be sorted out. OFM News previously reported on the effects the country’s labour legislation is having on businesses in South Africa. Free State business owners, including farmers, have described SA’s labour legislation as rigid and a hindrance to a thriving economy.

MJ Selepe says he is deeply concerned by teenage pregnancies which he feels only places young women further into poverty. Jurie Cilliers, on the other hand, says he hopes tonight’s message will be positive. “I always believe if you have a political will to change and not a party political view, then we can make a lot of changes,” referring to heads of state pushing the agendas of the party they belong to over improving the nation.

OFM News