SONA Debate | EFF's Sihle Lonzi slams Ramaphosa’s 'Paper Tiger' SONA, demands action on student debt and degrees

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Member of Parliament Sihle Lonzi has strongly criticised the government's inaction on critical student issues, particularly the ongoing student debt crisis and the delay in awarding degrees to students who have completed their academic requirements.

In his Sona Debate address, Lonzi emphasised the need for immediate action to resolve the debt confronting over half a million South African students, stressing that these students deserve their degrees to access employment opportunities.

In his critique of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent State of the Nation Address (SONA), Lonzi referred to the president's speech as a "paper tiger".

He argued that while the president's statements may seem bold from a distance, they lack substance and fail to address the pressing issues South Africans face.

“Your State of the Nation Address, President, like the seven you gave before that, reminds us of a paper tiger,” Lonzi said, highlighting the stark contrast between Ramaphosa’s promises and the lack of real progress on critical matters like housing, education, and student debt.

Lonzi also urged the government to take action on the Student Debt Cancellation Bill put forward by the EFF, which seeks to alleviate the burden of debt on students.

“We want this government to approach that bill so that you can resolve the debt confronting more than half a million students in South Africa,” he said.

He questioned why students who have completed all their academic requirements have still not received their degrees, demanding, “Why don’t you give them their degrees? The simple point is to get employment. Give the students their degrees so they can go look for work.”

He further criticised the government's approach to education, particularly the narrow focus on universities, while ignoring the importance of TVET colleges and training centres in providing accessible education.

Lonzi also pointed to the failure of the government to resolve ongoing issues like the housing crisis, citing a shortage of over 500,000 beds in South Africa, and the unfulfilled promises in provinces like North West.

Lonzi directed specific criticism at the Minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane, accusing her of failing to address the country’s housing crisis.

“She stands here and claims to have resolved the issue of human accommodation in South Africa. Perhaps she doesn't know, Minister, there's a shortage of over 500,000 beds in South Africa. You don't just resolve it by taking money from VBS and buying a coffee shop,” said Lonzi.

He further emphasised the disconnect between the minister’s claims and the reality faced by students, stating, “Minister, students are sleeping outside, yet you stand here and claim the accommodation crisis is resolved? You cannot resolve student housing issues by taking money from VBS and buying a coffee shop,'' Lonzi said.

Moreover, Lonzi drew attention to the inequality within government, lamenting the marginalisation of experienced leaders like Minister Sihle Zikalala.

"He's got a master's. He's got experience in governance, but you have reduced him to a boy deputy minister of an illiterate, matriculate white man,” Lonzi said.

IOL Politics