President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to deliver his reply on Thursday afternoon to the debate following his State of the Nation Address, after Members of Parliament raised sharp concerns over unemployment, poverty and inequality during a tense two-day sitting.
Lawmakers used the platform to press the government on stalled economic growth and the worsening jobs crisis, with youth unemployment emerging as a central flashpoint.
African National Congress MP Fasiha Hassan called on the state to declare youth unemployment a national emergency, arguing that young people can no longer survive on promises.
She urged government to adopt an urgent, coordinated approach across departments, municipalities and the private sector, complete with firm targets and deadlines to create meaningful opportunities.
Meanwhile, uMkhonto weSizwe Party MP Nhlamulo Ndhlela delivered a scathing critique of the president’s address, saying the country’s lived reality contradicted claims of progress.
He accused the administration of speaking about reform and renewal while unemployment, poverty and inequality continued to deepen.
Ramaphosa’s response is expected to address the concerns raised and outline how government plans to accelerate economic recovery and job creation a task many MPs say can no longer be postponed.