President Cyril Ramaphosa has been described as a good storyteller following his failure to deliver on his promises since he took office in 2018 with political analysts saying his terms will go down as one of the worst for “over-promising” and “under-delivering”. 

In 2019, Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (Sona) and election manifesto were filled with “New Dawn” promises aimed at economic renewal and social reform. However, many of these high-profile commitments have faced significant criticism for the lack of implementation. 

He also announced the development of a “truly post-apartheid” smart city in Lanseria to accommodate more than 500,000 people, which has not materialised to this day. 

Ramaphosa also pledged to “intensify the fight against corruption and take action against those implicated in the state capture”. However, there have been concerns that despite the Zondo Commission’s findings and recommendations, there has been a lack of “guts” to expel high-ranking corrupt officials from the party or secure major convictions.

He also announced the establishment of a new University of Science and Innovation in Ekurhuleni during the Sona in 2020.

Political analyst Zakhele Ndlovu said Ramaphosa is a good storyteller who no longer inspires confidence. 

Ndlovu added that his failure to fulfil his promises has made Jacob Zuma’s tenure in office look good. 

“Ramaphosa’s term in the presidency will go down as one of the worst for over-promising and under-delivering. His presidency has been a huge disappointment and history will judge him harshly. His Sona speeches are more of the same,” Ndlovu said. 

Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, did not respond to a request for comment.

While he did not provide an update regarding the Lanseria Smart City during his address on Thursday, Ramaphosa reaffirmed that the government is pressing ahead with plans for a high-speed train and that it is preparing to issue a formal request for proposals – moving the project from conceptual discussion to a procurement phase. 

He said nearly 30 companies expressed willingness to participate in the project.

On plans to establish a university in Ekurhuleni, he shifted the focus by directing ministers to “work on a proposal” for new universities, which was viewed as a retreat from his specific 2020 commitment.

Political analyst Professor Sipho Seepe said Ramaphosa’s presidency was based on crafted falsehoods. Seepe said nothing in his past suggested that Ramaphosa would do better than his predecessors. 

“Unfortunately, Ramaphosa became a victim of his own lies and the misconceptions of what others have of him,” he said.

Seepe said Ramaphosa has resorted to making more promises.

“Unfortunately, both Ramaphosa and the ANC have been emboldened and misled by an echo chamber of well-paid praise singers who masquerade as journalists and analysts. The chickens are now coming home to roost. No amount of spin would cover the fact that Ramaphosa is a dismal failure,” said Seepe.

Meanwhile, Professor Andre Thomashausen said ministers should also take blame for the failures, saying the chronic presidential implementation deficit is not a personal but rather a systemic issue.

He said the President is in reality a prime minister without his own power, adding that the consequence is that the 32 ministers and 43 deputy ministers of “our” cabinet can pursue their own agendas and not that of the President. 

manyane.manyane@inl.co.za

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