She said Zuma had said that he was not happy with people depending on grants and he wanted to end the culture of depending on the government.

Minister of Sports and Recreation Fikile Mbalula said the President`s address was “fantastic”.

“It was not about slogans. It was very practical. There were no theories,” said Mbalula.

Cosatu General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi said the speech sent “all good signals of where we are going.” But he said that he was worried about the capacity of the state to deliver on its promises.

Freedom Front Plus leader Pieter Mulder welcomed the relief assistance to be provided to those farms affected by floods. He also agreed with Zuma on prioritising job creation.

South African National Civic Organization (Sango) President, Ruth Bhengu, said for the first time Zuma had made a “tangible attempt to focus on job creation.”