Politics

Sona 2023: South Africans Call for Minister of Potholes Following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Address

Friday, February 10, 2023 at 1:49 PM by Bianca Lalbahadur 2 min read

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement that he will be appointing a Minister of Electricity has Mzansi tickled
Ramaphosa said the new minister will assume full responsibility for dealing with the electricity crisis, leaving many confused
Since his announcement, social media users believe that a Minister of Potholes post should also be created

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CAPE TOWN - President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement that he'll be appointing a Minister of Electricity in the Presidency sparked strong reactions.

During Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address on Thursday, 9 February, he said the new minister will assume full responsibility for dealing with the electricity crisis, including the National Energy Crisis Committee’s work.

The president’s move turned heads, with many unsure if the country needs an electricity minister. Some citizens took to social media to ridicule the move, with many saying a Minister of Potholes position will be created next.

Mzansi calls for President Cyril Ramaphosa to appoint Minister of Potholes

@LuckyGordy said:

“Can we get a Minister of Potholes and a Minister of Railways too please, because the Minister of Transport isn’t coping either...”

@_StormHaze posted:

“This is ridiculous. Appoint a Minister of Potholes while you’re at it. Better yet, a Minister of Unemployment.”

@AfricaisBlack wrote:

“Ramaphosa is a pathetic liar. When he took office, he said he would reduce the number of ministers. Where will the salary of the Electricity Minister come from? Ramaphosa must be removed before we find ourselves with a Minister of Potholes and Sewers.”

Minister of Public Enterprises remains in power

Despite announcing the need for a Minister of Electricity, Ramaphosa also announced that the Minister of Public Enterprises would remain a shareholder representative of Eskom.

According to eNCA, the Public Enterprises Minister will steer the restructuring of the power utility. Ramaphosa also announced a state of disaster to deal with the country’s ongoing electricity crisis. The State of Disaster was effected immediately.

Sona2023: President Cyril Ramaphosa declares a national state of disaster, appoints minister of electricity

Briefly News also reported that President Cyril Ramaphosa kicked off the 2023 Sona by outlining his plans to deal with Eskom’s energy crisis and loadshedding.

The president finally got a word in after the Economic Freedom Fighters disrupted proceedings at the Cape Town City Hall on Thursday night, 9 February.