Rural South Africans will be listening closely to what President Jacob Zuma has to say about solving the country's unemployment problems, ANC MP and traditional chief Mandla Mandela said on Thursday.

The grandson of struggle icon Nelson Mandela was speaking to journalists on his way into Parliament on Thursday, ahead of the president's state of the nation address at 7pm.

Resplendent in lion skin, a band of blue and turquoise beads around his forehead and more beads and a cluster of lion claws dangling from his neck, he said the focus needed to fall on sustainable jobs.

"There must be emphasis on people in rural communities... a focus is needed on providing sustainable jobs for rural people.

"I think it's one area the president ought to ensure he addresses... A lot of South Africans have been living with a high margin of unemployment. They are looking for opportunities.

"We will be listening closely to hear what the solution will be," Mandela said.

The 2011 state of the nation address comes on the eve, exactly 21 years ago, of Nelson Mandela's release from prison.