Carol Paton | Ramaphosa prepares for his 7th SONA, but his legacy is already in tatters

President Cyril Ramaphosa gives his seventh State of the Nation address on Thursday. Will he be able to turn things around? asks Carol Paton. 

As President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers his seventh State of the Nation Address on Thursday - with another seven to go after this one, should he start and finish a second term - his legacy is already in tatters.

Ramaphosa has restored some integrity to government by refusing to interfere in the prosecuting services. This is enormously important and cannot be taken for granted in emerging and developed democracies alike. But outcomes have worsened in every other area of the economy, government and society. It is not the presidency he thought it would be.