The Sunday Mail
Takunda Maodza recently in Pretoria—
South African President Jacob Zuma yesterday pledged to radically transform his country’s economy by embarking on broad-based black empowerment programmes during his second five-year term in office. In his address soon after his inauguration as president at the Union Building in Pretoria, President Zuma vowed to vigorously embark on transformative black economic programmes in a manner South Africans have not witnessed before.
The ceremony was attended by several African heads of state and government, including President Robert Mugabe who upon arrival in the company of First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe, received a thunderous welcome at the Union Building.
“Economic transition will take centre stage during the new term of government as we put the economy on (the) growth path,” said President Zuma.
He said the inauguration ceremony “marked a second phase of our transition from apartheid”.
Outlining his administration’s plans, President Zuma hinted on expanding the role of government in the economy, changing ownership and control of the economy, and land redistribution.
“Land redistribution will be better executed in the new term of government. Economic transition will take centre stage during the new term of government,” said President Zuma.
He reiterated his remarks on black emancipation when he addressed thousands of his supporters outside the Union Building soon after the ceremony.
Speaking in Zulu, he said: “We will change the lives of our people through radical transformation of our economic activities. Do not get surprised when we take radical action. We will do what we have to do. We will not be afraid.”
He urged unity among South Africans from all walks of life.
“This is your government and we have made a call that we work together. If we are united we become stronger to confront challenges.
“We have a lot of work to do. We need the backing of a united nation as we move South Africa forward. We do not take this confidence bestowed upon us lightly, we are humbled.”
He said 20 years after independence, South Africa faces challenges of unemployment, corruption and inefficiencies in the public service.
He went further to unveil plans for the future. These include developing communities through the provision of housing, sanitation, water, health services and education.
He pledged to deal with crime in order to make South Africans feel safe at home, work or school. President Zuma also thanked South Africans for voting the African National Congress back into office.
Meanwhile, Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille did not approve of the warm reception President Mugabe’s received on his arrival.
Zille complained through a post on her Twitter account, “A huge cheer goes up for Robert Mugabe, commander in chief blah, blah … too depressing. What message does that send out?”
President Mugabe returned home yesterday evening and was welcomed at the Harare International Airport by Vice-President Mujuru and other senior Government officials.
In a brief interview with journalists, President Mugabe wished President Zuma and his administration a successful and stable five-year term in office.
