Now that the dust has settled and the true picture emerges following the hot-tempered State of the Nation speech last week, South Africa faces a dark road ahead as the economy continues to sink.President Jacob Zuma attempted last week what he was supposed to have done five years ago but his efforts were not convincing.While his address had positive points that were devoid of party spin, more still needs to be done to convince the outside world that we are open for business and prepared to work our socks off.It helps no one to continue to look at individuals, including Zuma and his cabinet, to kick-start this economy.While our leaders in parliament continue to play marbles and try to out-score and out-scream each other, more and more South Africans are finding it difficult to have hope for tomorrow.South Africa today should be obsessed by fixing the economy.Next week the real and most important State of the Nation speech will be presented by Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan.His Budget speech will not be loaded with isms and more isms, promising more but thin on delivery.Gordhan will have to work with the rands that are in the kitty and it is expected that his address will not be kind to us.Zuma attempted to cut the fat from government operations but we are afraid that he did not cut to the bone.The president should have looked at his bulging cabinet and the number of ministers and deputy ministers leading lives of luxury.For this nation to survive the economic onslaught he must tell the electorate the truth.In times of crises a true leader holds himself to a high standard and discharges his duties without fear or favour.A true leader does not make short-term decisions that benefit him but plans for the future.Can our leaders today rise to the occasion?..