SONA Debate live stream: Watch Cyril Ramaphosa’s response here [video]

It’s been an eventful seven days since President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered his State of the Nation Address (SONA) last Thursday. Since then, we’ve seen Eskom lose their marbles, the EFF claim there’s an assassination plot waiting to happen, and Terror Lekota blaming the president for “selling out” his struggle era comrades.

The mood has darkened dramatically in a week. Cyril’s speech initially seemed to pacify the crowds and even kept the red berets quiet. However, a crippling round of load shedding has got tensions flaring up once more.

Following the previous two days of Parliamentary debate – where contributions from Malema, Steenhuisen and Lekota stole the show – it’s now Cyril’s turn to set the record straight. He will be reacted to the key points that have been raised so far, and will almost certainly discuss his plans to turn around Eskom’s ailing fortunes.

Cyril addresses Parliament

His speech will signal the end of the SONA Debate, and attention will soon be focused on the budget speech coming next Wednesday. We already know that fuel tax is in line for an increase, but Ramaphosa’s address may just give us a few hints about where our tax money will be going.

Tito Mboweni will have the impossible job of getting South Africa’s finances in order. It’s yet another tricky appearance in Parliament for the finance minister, who had to deliver the mid-term budget speech just weeks after predecessor Nhlanhla Nene resigned in disgrace.

It’s not going to be easy for the head of state. As well as juggling financial issues, he’s also under the microscope for his role in the Bosasa saga. As we reported earlier, the president has refused to release documents related to the deals orchestrated between himself, his son Andile and the corrupt security services organisation.

Watch a live stream of Cyril Ramaphosa’s SONA Debate reply here

(Proceedings will start at 14:00)