PREMIUM! President Cyril Ramaphosa at the State of the Nation address (Sons) on February 13, 2020 in Cape Town, South Africa. Picture: Gallo Images / Jeffrey Abrahams
It won’t be business as usual when President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers his crisis time State of the Nation Address (Sona) this evening. Even the ANC alliance partners want action and a break from the tradition of pronouncements without visible delivery. Many want to hear how the president plans to proceed with the coronavirus fight, as well as his efforts to resuscitate the ailing economy and stem the tide of job losses. They spoke about having heard so many promises, but seen little action in the last three years. The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) said: “We do not.
The 12J Association says President Cyril Ramaphosa needs to extend Section 12J investments, as the country looks for ways to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic. 12J investments have proven to be an effective way to create jobs, boost small and medium enterprises and encourage transformation. The Section 12J tax incentive is the subject of a sunset clause which means that these companies, their employment creation opportunities and crucial investments are facing uncertainty. The deadline is June 2021. The 12J Association agrees that the country needs social and economic growth, and says the most effective way to achieve these vital goals is to extend section 12J of the Income Tax Act. Bright Light Solar, in partnership with BizNews, is one of these 12J companies calling for an extension. – Melani Nathan