Central SA
North West Sopa slammed for failing to tackle problems─── KEKELETSO MOSEBETSI 13:04 Tue, 04 Mar 2025
North West opposition parties have criticised Premier Lazarus Mokgosi for offering false hope in his 2025 State of the Province Address (Sopa) to residents who continue to struggle with unemployment, poverty, and a lack of economic opportunities.
Mokgosi vowed to improve the province’s economy by creating investment opportunities, increasing job prospects through government programmes, and attracting more investors. He also promised to introduce nutrition programmes in schools, particularly in townships and villages.
However, opposition parties were quick to point out that the premier’s address largely repeated promises made in previous years without offering new, concrete plans or solutions for pressing issues.
EFF leader in the legislature, Shakes Botswe. Photo: Facebook
The DA, EFF, and MKP voiced their frustration during the Sopa debate in the provincial legislature on Tuesday (4/3). EFF leader in the legislature, Shakes Botswe, said the people of North West were “tired of listening to the same scripted speeches that lack vision, substance, and actionable solutions.”
Botswe said Mokgosi had a golden opportunity to chart a new course for the province, inspire confidence, and commit to tangible changes. Instead, he “wasted people’s time with the rhetoric void of commitments”.
“We cannot, in good conscience, endorse a speech that fails to address the deep-seated challenges facing our province … The premier completely failed to articulate a clear plan to tackle rising unemployment.”
DA legislature leader, Freddy Sonakile, called the Sopa underwhelming. Photo: Facebook
He noted that North West has the highest level of joblessness, particularly among the youth. “Our people wake up every day to face the grim reality of no jobs, no economic opportunities, and no relief, yet the premier could not provide a single concrete plan on how his government will create sustainable employment.”
DA legislature leader Freddy Sonakile echoed Botswe’s sentiments, calling the address “underwhelming”. He said Mokgosi had one critical job: to communicate the provincial government’s top priorities and how they plan to achieve them. However, the speech lacked specifics, making it neither measurable nor time-bound.
Lerato Teme. Photo: Facebook
MKP legislature leader Lerato Teme dismissed Sopa 2025 as nothing more than a “fairy tale,” saying it was a mere repetition of old promises. She accused Mokgosi of continuing the ANC’s 30-year-long tradition of empty promises.
