Media Statement

Today, President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers the State of the Nation Address (SONA) at a defining moment in the life of our democracy. This address is grounded in the core principles of participatory democracy, the expressed will of the people, and a people-centred, people-driven model of governance and development. It is both a reflection and a commitment, a report to the nation and a vision for the future.

As we mark 32 years of democratic governance, this State of the Nation Address reflects on the achievements of recent years, confronts the hurdles that continue to impede socio-economic transformation, and charts a clear path forward. It builds on the programme articulated in the January 8 Statement, the outcomes of ANC and Cabinet makgotlas, and consultations with a broad cross-section of South African society.

South Africa enters this address on a trajectory of recovery and renewal. State-owned enterprises have shown measurable improvement, with Eskom stabilising operations and South African Airways recording profitability. Rail infrastructure is undergoing revitalisation. South Africa has been removed from the Financial Action Task Force grey list, restoring confidence in our financial system. The implementation of the National Minimum Wage continues to protect vulnerable workers, while reforms within SASSA and NSFAS are strengthening the integrity and efficiency of social support systems.

Through the 10-Point Economic Action Plan, government has accelerated industrialisation, diversified trade partnerships, strengthened revenue collection, and stabilised the fiscus to ensure sustainable infrastructure investment and responsible management of competing national priorities. Tourism has rebounded strongly, with 10.48 million recorded arrivals, reinforcing South Africa’s standing as a world-class destination.

Economic indicators signal cautious optimism. The strengthening of the rand to R15.80 against the US dollar provides hope for interest rate relief. Inflation remains moderated, with CPI at 3.6% in December 2025, among the lowest levels recorded in over two decades, positioning the country for further economic stabilisation and growth.

In last year’s SONA, land reform was prioritised in line with our historic commitment to redress. The passage of the Expropriation Act marked significant progress in this regard. The establishment of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry reaffirmed our determination to confront corruption and crimedecisively. Gender-Based Violence and Femicide was declared a national crisis, demanding collective societal action. The introduction of lenacapavir, to be rolled out in April as a groundbreaking HIV prevention injection, underscores our commitment to safeguarding public health.

Yet we are mindful of the challenges that persist. The water crisis affecting communities requires urgent infrastructure investment to restore dignity and ensure reliable service delivery. Stabilising and strengthening local government remain an urgent priority, as reaffirmed during our 114th anniversary commemoration in Moruleng. Decisive action is required to contain foot-and-mouth disease in the agricultural sector, a key pillar of economic activity and job creation.

The fight against poverty, unemployment, crime, GBVF, and porous borders continues with renewed urgency. The State of the Nation Address outlines practical interventions to advance our developmental agenda and deepen inclusive growth.

Globally, this address takes place amid shifting geopolitical and economic dynamics, renewed multilateralism, evolving trade arrangements including AGOA, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, CAEPA frameworks, and global trade tensions. South Africa remains committed to progressive internationalism, inclusive multilateralism, and strengthening bilateral relations with key partners including the European Union, China, the United States, Russia, and the African continent.

The successful hosting of the G20 Summit positioned South Africa as a credible and influential global voice.

At the same time, we remain vigilant against domestic forces that resist transformation and seek to undermine the vision of a united, non-racial, and equitable society championed by Tata Nelson Mandela, whose release from prison we commemorated just days ago.

The President’s responsibilities demand careful balancing of competing needs, investing in infrastructure, expanding the social wage, strengthening local government, and accelerating economic transformation.

Today’s State of the Nation Address reaffirms our collective determination to build a capable state, grow the economy, create jobs, empower SMMEs, develop skills, and invest in the youth.

We call upon all South Africans to join hands in this national effort, to harness our creativity, resilience, and shared purpose in shaping a future defined by dignity, opportunity, and inclusive prosperity for all.

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