FF Plus urges Ramaphosa to prioritise South Africa over ANC interests in SONA

The Freedom Front Plus wants President Cyril Ramaphosa to put the interests of South Africans ahead of the African National Congress’s historical allegiances when he delivers this year’s State of the Nation Address.

Its leader, Corne Mulder, says while it may be wishful thinking on his part, it is crucial to getting the country back on track.

Tomorrow night’s speech will be only the second time the President delivers a State of the Nation Address on behalf of a Government of National Unity, of which the FF Plus is a part.

This morning, President Cyril Ramaphosa stood shoulder to shoulder with former FF Plus leader, Pieter Groenewald, at the Drakenstein Correctional Centre to commemorate Nelson Mandela’s release from prison.

He has tasked Groenewald with the prisons portfolio since the FF Plus joined the Government of National Unity.

But the party has clashed with Ramaphosa on economic policy, and leader Corne Mulder says Ramaphosa needs to harness the potential of the changing geopolitical world to facilitate economic growth.

"There are currently extremely good opportunities arising to turn the country around and create an environment facilitating strong economic growth, which will result in job opportunities for many desperate, unemployed South Africans."

Mulder says his party also expects to hear more about government’s response to the foot-and-mouth disease that’s ravaging the farming industry.