Cape town: President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on South Africans to draw on the country's deepest values and collective strength as it confronts challenges including crime and a worsening water crisis, declaring that the nation will stand firm both at home and on the global stage.
According to South African Government News Agency, the President made these remarks while delivering the second State of the Nation Address (SONA) in the seventh administration at the City Hall in Cape Town. The event commenced with a display of national pride featuring a ceremonial guard, the national anthem, a 21-gun salute, an aircraft exhibition, and a military band. President Ramaphosa was ushered into the National Assembly by Ria Reen, a Khoi-San woman from the Northern Cape, with a powerful poetic voice.
Framing his address against historic milestones, President Ramaphosa emphasized South Africa's resilience, rooted in its people, institutions, and democratic ethos. In a volatile global environment, he underscored that the country's sovereignty is non-negotiable and emphasized the importance of standing firm on national interests and values.
The President highlighted South Africa's economic progress, noting four consecutive quarters of GDP growth, budget surpluses, and declining borrowing costs. He announced a commitment of over R1 trillion in public investment to drive rapid and inclusive economic growth, with a focus on energy, logistics, water, and digital infrastructure.
Through Operation Vulindlela, structural reforms have been accelerated in energy, logistics, and telecommunications. Load shedding has been eliminated, and regulatory changes have spurred investment in renewable energy, aiming for over 40% of supply from renewable sources by 2030. Reforms in rail and ports are also underway, with partnerships to manage and upgrade facilities.
President Ramaphosa addressed internal threats, particularly organized crime, which he identified as the most immediate threat to democracy and economic development. Efforts to dismantle criminal networks will include consolidating intelligence, deploying intervention teams, and using the South African National Defence Force to assist police in tackling gang violence and illegal mining.
To address the water crisis, a National Water Crisis Committee will be established, chaired by the President. This body will coordinate efforts to ensure swift and effective action to tackle water issues.
The President also focused on job creation, highlighting the role of small businesses and public employment programs. Government initiatives will provide funding and credit access to small and medium enterprises, and public employment programs will be expanded to offer income support and job opportunities.
Concluding his address, President Ramaphosa described the moment as a turning point for the nation, emphasizing the need to fight crime and corruption, create jobs, and ensure inclusive growth. He called on all South Africans to rise together, marking a shift towards an era of prosperity and growth.
