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Politics

What to Watch for in South African President Ramaphosa’s Keynote Address

  • Energy crisis set to feature prominently in Ramaphosa’s speech
  • Other talking points likely to include state wage bill, crime
Cyril Ramaphosa
Cyril Ramaphosa

Photographer: Leon Sadiki/Bloomberg

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver his seventh state-of-the-nation address on Thursday at a parlous juncture in his tenure. 

An energy crisis dating back to 2008 dramatically intensified last year and rolling blackouts have been imposed for 102 consecutive days to prevent the grid from collapsing, hobbling the economy. There’s also widespread public anger over a 33% unemployment rate, surging living costs and the near collapse of government services in many towns.