National Development Plan expected to dominate state-of-the-nation speech

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 The National Development Plan is expected to be the main thrust of President Jacob Zuma's state-of-the-nation address on Thursday night.

The plan, which was compiled by the National Planning Commission in the presidency, was endorsed by all political parties in the National Assembly last year.

Earlier this week, the presidency said all government programmes and plans for this year would be aligned to the NDP.

The key factors in the plan include job creation, infrastructure and education.

The SA Chamber of Commerce and Industry says it expects Zuma to restore business confidence in his speech.

Sacci CEO Neren Rau says recent events have portrayed South Africa in a less than favourable light and there is an urgent need for the president to restore both domestic and international business confidence.

The chamber expects Zuma to give reassurance to foreign and domestic investors on economic stability, illegal protests, government expenditure, and problematic mining legislation.