The nation holds its breath

THE annual statement by the ruling ANC, commemorating its establishment in Bloemfontein on January 8 1912, is always a lodestone for journalists, political analysts and diplomats alike. The statement, traditionally read by the president of the organisation, which in recent times has also been the president of the country itself, is a review of the party and the nation. As the first utterance of the year, it frames the debate for the year ahead, including the president’s own State of the Nation Address when he opens Parliament next month.

It is no exaggeration to say that this year’s statement is one of the most keenly observed and analysed in recent times, for South Africa sits at a crossroads in so many different ways: the drought is putting immense strain on the critical maize harvest and whole towns are without water; commodity prices, so critical to our mining industry, are down; levels of unemployment are perilously high and the rand is crashing, ramping up not only the cost of imports but playing havoc with our sovereign debt repayments.

Then there is the simmering discontent of our students – buoyed by the gains of the seminal #feesmustfall movement – preparing to clamour for more concessions when universities reopen next month. There are the scheduled local government elections and the headache for the ANC of holding the anniversary celebrations in the North West, itself a hotbed of dissent and opposition party support.

And then there’s this week’s hot topic: racial tension is at an all-time high, threatening our miracle of 1994.

Everybody will be waiting to hear what you have to say, Mr President.