MPs gear up for debate on Ramaphosa's State of the Nation Address

CAPE TOWN - Both Houses of Parliament will on Tuesday morning begin a two-day debate on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address. 

In his eighth address to the nation, Ramaphosa took stock of the achievements of an African National Congress (ANC) government over 30 of years of democracy.

But Ramaphosa has already taken flak for the fictional character, Tintswalo, he created in his speech to demonstrate the improvements to life for a young South African born in the democratic era.

Many South Africans say the president is out of touch with the reality faced daily by ordinary citizens.  

Opposition parties will be hoping that this was the final State of the Nation Address delivered by President Cyril Ramaphosa. 

Mere hours after he once again said his government was getting a handle on load shedding, the severity of power cuts ramped up to stage four and later stage six. 

"We are confident that the worst is behind us and the end of load shedding is finally within reach." 

Ramaphosa also highlighted achievements in clawing back ill-gotten gains as a result of corruption but acknowledged more needed to be done. 

"We will not stop until every person responsible is held to account." 

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) is not expected to participate in this week’s debate after the party lost a high court bid to overturn Parliament’s ban against them for disruptions caused in the House during the president’s address last year.