CAPE TOWN - Political parties watched the President's speech closely on Thursday evening.
Politicians shared their reactions to the address.
DA leader John Steenhuisen welcomed "the president's focus on growth and jobs."
The EFF's Julius Malema said the president's speech was mostly talk and "waffling."
Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Blade Nzimande said "No country can hope to develop without investing in science, technology, and innovation in a very serious way."
Leon Schreiber, the Minister of Home Affairs, welcomed the speech and acknowledgment given to the clearing of the visa backlog.
UDM deputy president Nqabayomzi Kwankwa called the speech a "mixed bag."
Health minister Aaron Motsoaledi said he is "very happy" with the address, particularly related to the health sector.
Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa expected more focus on the local government space and reiterated the need for a new funding model.
ACDP leader Kenneth Meshoe also called the speech a "mixed bag" and highlighted the issue of corruption.
The chairperson of Parliament's Standing Committee On Public Accounts Songezo Zibi discussed the powers awarded to the committee.
ActionSA's Herman Mashaba said the president focused on celebration and not on the challenges facing the country.