President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall, an event met with predictably mixed reactions from South Africa's diverse political landscape. The address, presented as a full transcript, commenced with acknowledgements of various dignitaries, including the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Thoko Didiza; Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Ms Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane; former President Kgalema Motlanthe; and leaders of traditional and Khoisan communities, setting a tone of national unity and historical reflection.

Ramaphosa began by invoking powerful historical moments that shaped the nation. He recalled the 1956 Women's March to the Union Buildings, where thousands of women of all races, including Mam’ Sophie de Bruyn (present at the SONA), demonstrated extraordinary resolve against apartheid oppression. Their silent protest and subsequent chant, “Wathint’ abafazi, wathint’ imbokodo. You strike a woman; you strike a rock,” symbolized women’s enduring role in the struggle for freedom. The President also referenced the 1976 Soweto Uprising, where young people defied a brutal regime to oppose Bantu Education, and the adoption of the democratic Constitution in 1996, which embodies the aspirations for a united, peaceful, and equitable South Africa, committed to redressing past injustices and ensuring fundamental rights for all citizens.

The President highlighted significant progress made over the past year, asserting that the nation is stronger than before. The economy is showing growth, with four consecutive quarters of GDP growth, two primary budget surpluses, an improved credit rating, declining interest rates, and inflation at a 20-year low. The Rand has strengthened, and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange has performed exceptionally well. Reforms under Operation Vulindlela have accelerated economic recovery, led to the end of loadshedding, and improved the performance of ports and freight rail lines. The passenger rail system has been restored, and substantial investments are being made in critical infrastructure like roads, bridges, dams, and renewable energy projects. Over 2.5 million opportunities have been created through the Presidential Employment Stimulus, with programs like EPWP and CWP continuing to offer job opportunities. The 2025 Matric pass rate was the highest in history, and the unemployment rate is beginning to decline. Social protection, particularly the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant, has reduced food poverty. Furthermore, anti-corruption efforts have seen the country removed from the Financial Action Task Force’s grey list, with institutions like SARS and the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption showing positive results. The Government of National Unity (GNU) has demonstrated a capacity for cross-political collaboration, and South Africa successfully hosted the G20 Summit, enhancing its global standing.

Despite these achievements, Ramaphosa acknowledged significant challenges. Life remains hard for many, with scarce jobs and limited opportunities. Violent crime and corruption are major concerns, as is the state of local government and its inability to deliver basic services. The President emphasized that true national strength lies in equality and shared progress.

He outlined the GNU’s three strategic priorities for the coming year: driving inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living, and building a capable, ethical, and developmental state. A key focus is stepping up the fight against organized crime, which he identified as the most immediate threat to democracy and economic development. Plans include consolidating intelligence, identifying priority syndicates, and deploying multi-disciplinary intervention teams. To combat gang violence, particularly in the Western Cape and Gauteng, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will be deployed to support the police, mirroring successful interventions against illegal mining. The government will also streamline gun legislation, recruit 5,500 additional police officers, and establish a National Illicit Economy Disruption Programme utilizing technology and AI to target high-risk sectors like tobacco, fuel, and alcohol.

Addressing corruption within law enforcement, Ramaphosa highlighted the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry's findings of rampant corruption in SAPS and Metro Police. A task team has been established to investigate these findings, and the State Security Agency will re-vet senior management, including lifestyle audits. The Whistle-Blower Protection Bill will be introduced to Parliament, criminalizing retaliation and offering comprehensive support to whistle-blowers. Furthermore, the procurement system will undergo a major restructuring, with new Public Procurement Act regulations by mid-2026, to combat the majority of corruption incidents originating there. The message was clear: there will be zero tolerance and no impunity for corruption and criminality.

The President also tackled the critical water crisis, acknowledging widespread frustrations over inadequate and unreliable access. Poor planning, inadequate maintenance, and the diversion of water revenue were cited as primary causes. In response, over R156 billion in public funding is committed for water and sanitation infrastructure over the next three years, including new dams like the Ntabelanga Dam and the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. A National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency is being established. Crucially, a National Water Crisis Committee, chaired by the President, will be formed to coordinate efforts, deploy technical experts, and ensure swift action. The Water Services Amendment Bill will hold service providers accountable, with the threat of license withdrawal for non-delivery. Criminal charges have already been laid against 56 municipalities and will now extend to Municipal Managers personally for violating the National Water Act. A new R54 billion incentive for metros aims to ensure water revenue is reinvested into infrastructure.

A far-reaching overhaul of the local government system is underway, driven by findings from the Auditor-General on insufficient accountability and failing service delivery. A revised White Paper on Local Government will introduce fundamental changes, recognizing varied municipal capacities and proposing differentiated approaches to responsibilities. Structured cooperation between municipalities and traditional leadership, along with the appointment of qualified officials through independent processes, are key components. National government will also strengthen its ability to intervene in failing municipalities.

Economically, the government’s Medium Term Development Plan (MTDP) aims for rapid and inclusive growth. Over R1 trillion in public investment is committed to infrastructure, the largest allocation in the country's history, utilizing innovative funding models and public-private partnerships. Specialized commercial courts will be established to prevent delays in critical projects. A professional State Property Company will be created to manage 88,000 state buildings and five million hectares of land. The energy system is being transformed for long-term security, with over 40% of energy supply projected to come from cheap, clean, renewable sources by 2030. Eskom is being restructured, and an independent transmission entity is being established. Private investment in expanding the national grid will be enabled through independent transmission projects. Reforms are also addressing performance in rail and ports, enabling private rail operators and initiating major public-private partnerships in port terminals and rail corridors, as seen with the Durban Pier 2 Container Terminal. Preparations are also underway for high-speed rail, with significant private sector interest.

South Africa’s Industrial and Trade Policies are focused on competitive advantage, job creation, and export growth, leveraging a diverse economy and high-quality manufacturing. Support is provided to established industries like ferrochrome, steel, and automotive, while future growth sectors like agriculture, mining, services, and the green economy are prioritized. The agriculture sector is expanding, with South Africa as the second-largest exporter of citrus. Measures include R7.8 billion in funding for black producers through the Blended Finance Scheme and the deployment of 10,000 new Extension Officers. The severe foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak will be tackled as a national disaster, with plans to vaccinate 14 million cattle. The services sector, including digital technology and financial services, is growing, attracting over R50 billion in investment for data centres. Tourism, a vital growth driver, saw 10.5 million visitors last year, and the Electronic Travel Authorisation System will be extended to expedite visa applications. Green growth is a significant opportunity, with support for green product manufacturing and a 150% tax deduction for new energy vehicle investments. Critical mineral reserves, valued at over R40 trillion, position mining as a sunrise industry, with dedicated funds for exploration and significant investments like the R300 million for the Frontier Rare Earths Project.

To build a more inclusive economy, the government is supporting small and medium businesses (SMEs) with over R2.5 billion in funding and R1 billion in guarantees, with a focus on women- and youth-led enterprises. Regulatory hurdles will be reduced through the Business Licensing Bill, and National Credit Act regulations will be amended to improve access to credit. The Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) framework is under review to strengthen transformation and inclusive growth. Public and social employment programs, including the Presidential Employment Stimulus, CWP, and EPWP, will be expanded and better coordinated to provide income support, skills development, and pathways into long-term work, especially for young people and women. The SA Youth platform and the Youth Employment Service (YES) are providing millions of work and learning opportunities. Employment equity targets for persons with disabilities in the Public Service will be increased to 7% by 2030, with a corresponding preferential procurement target.

Education and skills development are cornerstones of a strong economy. Efforts are focused on early childhood development (ECD), with expanded access through Bana Pele and increased subsidies, and Grade R becoming compulsory. Basic education is being fixed with an emphasis on early learning, literacy, numeracy, and mother-tongue instruction. The high Matric pass rate of 88% is celebrated, but the high dropout rate in later schooling years and the need for more maths and science graduates are being addressed. A skills revolution is planned, involving a fundamental overhaul of the skills development system towards a dual training model, reforming Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), and utilizing TVET colleges. The skills development levy returned to employers will be increased to 40%, and the National Skills Fund will become more agile. To accommodate a growing number of Matriculants, opportunities for higher learning will be expanded, including proposals for new universities and TVET colleges with specialized focuses, and innovative solutions for student accommodation.

Strong communities are vital, and the fight against child stunting and malnutrition among young children is a national mission for 2030, focusing on the crucial first 1,000 days of a child's life. Interventions will provide protein and nutrients to pregnant women and low birth-weight children, with specific budget allocations. Excessive alcohol consumption, a major contributor to child stunting, violence, accidents, and crime, will be addressed through strengthened regulation, limits on outlets, restricted trading hours, and measures like minimum unit pricing and advertising restrictions. The SRD Grant, a transformative instrument, will continue and be redesigned to support livelihoods and skills. Affordable housing initiatives will expand, providing subsidies for ownership and rental in suitable areas, shifting from state-built houses to supporting individuals. The restoration of District Six, a painful reminder of past injustices, continues with R500 million allocated for Phase 4 construction, aiming to return former residents and descendants to their homes.

Healthcare is being prepared for National Health Insurance (NHI) through investments in facilities, personnel, and systems. Substantial investment is planned for health infrastructure, particularly academic hospitals, with George Mukhari Hospital as a priority. The nation is moving towards a future without AIDS, with a massive rollout of Lenacapavir, a highly effective HIV prevention injection, and efforts to end cervical cancer through HPV vaccination for young girls. Gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) has been classified as a national disaster, coordinating a comprehensive response under the National Strategic Plan, promoting women’s economic empowerment, strengthening law enforcement, and scaling up survivor-centred support.

Illegal immigration is recognized as a threat to national security, stability, and economic progress. Additional steps will be taken to secure borders, with prioritized funding for infrastructure, technology, and personnel. Key border posts will be redeveloped through public-private partnerships, and the Electronic Travel Authorisation will be extended. Drones and technology are already in use. A joint crackdown by SAPS, Home Affairs, and Labour Inspectors will target violations of immigration and labor laws, with severe penalties for employers hiring undocumented foreign nationals, supported by the recruitment of 10,000 additional labor inspectors. While enforcing laws, the President strongly cautioned against vigilantism and violence directed at foreign nationals, insisting on equal access to public facilities like schools and health services for everyone in the country.

Building an ethical, capable, and developmental state is crucial. New legislation, such as the Public Service Amendment Bill, will professionalize the Public Service by protecting key appointments from political interference and ensuring merit-based selection. Mandatory lifestyle audits for senior public servants are at 93% compliance, and a central registry for disciplinary cases will prevent re-employment of those facing action. Governance and performance of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) like Eskom and Transnet are being improved through clear appointment standards and a phased move towards a centralized management model. Digital transformation is a key driver for growth and service delivery, with the DHA launching a Digital ID, digitizing driver’s licenses, Matric certificates, and Master’s Office services, and enabling online police statements and remote SASSA grant eligibility checks via the MyMzansi platform. Bank branches will also offer Smart ID and passport services to reduce queues. Citizen protections and rights will be safeguarded during this digital revolution.

In foreign policy, South Africa seeks a sustainable, just, and inclusive world, upholding its G20 Presidency principles of Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability. Through the AU and SADC, it advances regional integration, peace, and stability, using international relations to support domestic economic priorities and the African Continental Free Trade Area. South Africa builds mutually beneficial relationships based on equality and respect, firmly asserting its sovereignty and national interests against external bullying. It champions multilateralism, humanitarian diplomacy, and supports UN, AU, and SADC peacekeeping efforts, though it has requested to withdraw troops from the UN Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to consolidate its Defence Force. The nation remains a consistent voice for international law and justice, advocating for the rights of people suffering occupation and war globally.

President Ramaphosa concluded by declaring that the nation has reached a turning point, moving from decline to an era of prosperity and growth, having overcome state capture, the COVID-19 pandemic, social unrest, and recent floods. He emphasized that now is the time for all South Africans to collectively drive the country forward. A National Dialogue process, guided by an Eminent Persons Group, will spread across communities, schools, and universities, culminating in a National Convention to forge an overarching national compact and guide the next phase of the National Development Plan beyond 2030. Harnessing the spirit of the women of 1956, the youth of 1976, and the 1996 Constitution, 2026 must be a year of transformative change to fix local government, fight crime and corruption, restore trust in the justice system, create jobs, and build a state that works for all people, ensuring that the rising tide of progress lifts every South African towards a stronger, more resilient, and equal society.

Political parties reacted sharply and divergently to the address. The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), through MP Mzwanele Manyi, dismissed the SONA as a “complete waste of time,” repetitive of old commitments, and failing to deliver tangible outcomes on economic growth, unemployment, and poverty. Manyi also linked water shortages to corruption and poor infrastructure maintenance. Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema welcomed the deployment of the SANDF to combat gang violence but interpreted it as a sign of police failure. He criticized the President’s water promises as not translating into real access for ordinary South Africans and accused the government of over-reliance on “task teams” instead of taking direct responsibility, questioning the GNU's capacity. In contrast, the African National Congress (ANC) Treasurer-General Gwen Ramokgopa hailed the speech as inspiring and impactful, part of Ramaphosa’s legacy, acknowledging efforts to stabilize the country post-COVID-19 and the complexities of governing within a GNU. The Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie strongly supported the address, calling it Ramaphosa’s best SONA, and welcomed the army deployment, immigration measures, and District Six redevelopment, dismissing criticisms from other GNU partners. These varied responses underscore South Africa’s deeply divided political environment, where opposition parties question delivery and credibility, while GNU-aligned partners frame the address as evidence of renewed momentum.