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30 January 2025
Press Statement from Al Jama-ah: Expectations for the 2025 State of the Nation Address
Al Jama-ah welcomes the upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) by President Cyril Ramaphosa, but we do so with a sense of anticipation and expectation that the address will provide not just words, but a clear and actionable roadmap for South Africa’s future.
In particular, Al Jama-ah calls on President Ramaphosa to draw inspiration from the wisdom of Julius Nyerere, the former President of Tanzania, whose leadership in the struggle for African liberation remains an enduring symbol of unity and freedom. Nyerere, affectionately known as “Mwalimu,” embodied the spirit of true liberation—one that went beyond political freedom and sought economic self-reliance for all people. South Africa, as a nation still grappling with the legacies of apartheid and colonialism, must strive for the same vision of true liberation.
Al Jama-ah believes that the foundation for a liberated South Africa must include the establishment of a South African Liberation Committee. This committee, similar to the historic OAU Liberation Committee, which met in Tanzania under Nyerere’s leadership, should be the driving force behind our nation’s path towards self-reliance and true freedom. This committee must guide our country through the next stage of its development, ensuring that the principles of liberation are deeply embedded in our political, economic, and social structures.
It is a matter of grave concern that 30 years after the dawn of democracy, South Africa has yet to achieve the full transformation of our society, particularly in terms of dismantling the structures of power that still perpetuate inequality and exploitation. Former oppressors have not fully embraced the values of the liberation struggle. Their continued dominance in the political and economic spheres suggests that the promises made during the liberation struggle have yet to be realized. Al Jama-ah calls for an unapologetic break from these old systems and a bold move towards true transformation.
At the heart of our expectations for this SONA is the call for President Ramaphosa to unveil a masterplan for South Africa’s future—one that is rooted in the principles laid out by Julius Nyerere. Nyerere’s vision emphasized not only political freedom but also economic independence, self-reliance, and social dignity. South Africa, with its abundant resources, is far too rich to remain a nation plagued by poverty, unemployment, and inequality. The time for talk has passed; we need action.
This action must begin with the announcement of a permanent South African Liberation Committee Secretariat, fully funded and empowered to lead the charge for national unity and economic transformation. This secretariat should be a guiding force that brings together political parties and stakeholders who embrace the vision of true liberation and the spirit of Nyerere’s Pan-African ideals. The secretariat must be given the necessary tools and resources to bring the dream of a united, self-reliant, and liberated South Africa into reality.
Moreover, Al Jama-ah expects the SONA to directly address the urgent issues faced by South Africans every day. Unemployment, inequality, and poverty continue to plague millions of our people, and these challenges must be tackled head-on. We also expect concrete plans to address the ongoing crisis of crime and the severe lack of dignified housing, especially for vulnerable groups like farm dwellers and labour tenants. The President should use the opportunity ,now that the Expropriation Act is signed into law, to announce that portions of farmers land where farm dwellers live on must be expropriated with nil compensation to prevent evictions.Pres Ramaphosa has indicated that all aspects of the act must be implemented, the time for him to act is now!
In anticipation of this announcement AL JAMA-AH is helping farm dwellers and Labour tenants who reside on farms who are in court at Paarl to have land expropriated.
Its high time that political parties opposed to this act understand that these are not just policy issues—they are matters of basic human dignity and social justice.
The road to freedom was long and hard, but now, as a nation, we must accelerate our journey. The SONA must provide us with a clear vision and actionable plans to build a truly liberated South Africa, where every citizen can live with dignity and contribute to the prosperity of our nation.
Al Jama-ah looks forward to hearing President Ramaphosa’s plans for 2025, and we hope that they will reflect the radical transformation that South Africa so desperately needs.
Issued by Asghar Khan on behalf of Al Jama-ah
Asghar Khan (Spokesperson)
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Nisa Hendricks
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082 613 1917