President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a pivotal State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall, marking the first full address under the Government of National Unity formed after the 2024 elections. The speech outlined the administration’s policy direction, legislative agenda, and spending priorities for the year ahead, positioning the GNU as a stabilising force amid political fragmentation and economic strain.

Notably absent were Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina and Cooperative Governance Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa, who were deployed to address Johannesburg’s escalating water crisis. Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed the President’s urgent focus on resolving the situation.

Ramaphosa acknowledged that water insecurity extends beyond Gauteng, with shortages reported in other provinces. He announced the establishment of a national water crisis committee to coordinate interventions and address systemic infrastructure failures. The President framed the Johannesburg response as part of a broader national stabilisation effort, underscoring water security as a priority within the government’s recovery agenda.

Beyond water and infrastructure, Ramaphosa highlighted recent gains, including the reported end of loadshedding and a strengthening rand, while identifying organised crime as the country’s most immediate threat. He pledged intensified action through enhanced intelligence, technology, and coordinated law enforcement strategies, alongside plans to table a Whistleblower Protections Bill.

Additional measures include deploying the South African National Defence Force to support police operations in the Western Cape and Gauteng against gang violence and illegal mining. The address also referenced infrastructure ambitions such as high-speed rail development and acknowledged the legacy of state capture in driving up electricity costs.

Looking ahead, Ramaphosa set a target for more than 40% of South Africa’s energy to come from “cheap, clean” sources by 2030 and reported progress in agriculture, including administering 14 million vaccines to combat foot-and-mouth disease. However, opposition parties voiced skepticism.

The Economic Freedom Fighters, through spokesperson Sinawo Thambo, accused the President of recycling longstanding promises, while ActionSA parliamentary leader Athol Trollip questioned the credibility of repeated commitments. Their criticism reflects broader public concerns about implementation and delivery amid persistent socio-economic challenges.