The president says he’s ready for this week’s Sona despite an ailing economy & threats the EFF will disrupt.

PRETORIA - President Jacob Zuma says he is ready for the State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Thursday and he's confident South Africans are pleased with his performance.

The president made the comments after a walk-about in Marabastad, Pretoria, today where he spoke to hawkers, produce market traders and foreigners at the Home Affairs office.

Zuma says he wanted to talk to people to get ideas for his address later this week.

This year's Sona looks set to be the president's toughest, with an ailing economy and threats from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) to disrupt proceedings.

He appeared relaxed and confident and told reporters he was ready for Thursday's address.

#ZumaSONA the President about to address foreigners in Marabastad. pic.twitter.com/SiGcNRR6dx — EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) February 8, 2016

He says people are happy with government's performance, contrary to what is being reported in the media.

"They are happy with the president. Everything they could say… all of that was important for me because at times you know you guys [the media] write from other sources. This was a direct source."

The president says he'll convey some of the complaints he's heard at Home Affairs office today to the relevant ministers to address.