Ramaphosa says he's been honest about the country's shortcomings

CAPE TOWN - President Cyril Ramaphosa has responded to the two-day debate in his State of the Nation Address (SONA), acknowledging his government’s delivery failures.

Members of both houses of Parliament this week debated the SONA with many slamming Ramaphosa’s legacy.

They singled out corruption, poor services, and ongoing load shedding - among other issues.

Ramaphosa said he’s been honest about the country’s shortcomings.

"Corruption as it has unfolded over a number of years has also had a negative impact. Violent crime continues to plague communities across our country and I have been clear, direct, and honest by outlining all the challenges that our people are facing."

The president said the country’s apartheid past can’t be ignored: "Because the past does enable us to understand the present."

But he said there are positives like the increase in tourism numbers as well as foreign direct investment.