WATCH | Trade unions' expectations of the Opening of Parliament Address

JOHANNESBURG - Many South Africans are hoping that President Cyril Ramaphosa will be addressing key issues the country is facing when he opens Parliament on Thursday night.

They want an indication of how a government consisting of multiple parties will function when it comes to tackling critical and long-standing challenges citizens are facing.

eNCA spoke to trade unions about what they would like the president to provide clarity on in his address.

Cosatu national spokesperson Matthew Parks says the union federation has high expectations because the challenges in society are daunting.

It is no surprise that crime is a major challenge, given that an estimated 7,710 people were murdered in Q3 of 2023, according to SAPS records, with a crime index of 75.4 recorded in 2024. 

Popcru spokesperson Richard Mamabolo and South African Policing Union spokesperson Lesiba Thobakgale want to hear about plans to improve the functioning of the police force.

Another area of focus is accessibility to education and the shortage of qualified teachers in an ever-growing population. 

The vice president of the South African Teachers Union, Paul Sauer, touched on what he is hoping the President will address.

Healthcare has required attention for years, with the added contention surrounding the newly introduced National Health Insurance Act.

There is still too little employment of qualified doctors, with an estimated 200 vacant positions that are not being filled, and safety in hospitals remains a primary concern.

Dr Langanani Mbodi, from the SA Medical Association Trade Union, and Hospersa’s Lindelwa Mdlalose provided further insight into their expectations of the Opening of Parliament address.

Even with all the challenges, trade unions overall seem hopeful that the President’s speech and the GNU will bring desired changes.

This report was written and compiled by eNCA’s Georgia Cartwright and Sbongile Molambo.