President Cyril Ramaphosa's first State of the Nation Address since the formation of the Government of National Unity has sparked mixed reaction on social media, with many questioning the sincerity of his promises South Africa Cape Town 06- February-2025 -The State of the Nation Address (SoNA) is an annual address to the nation delivered by the President of the Republic of South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa.Photographer Ayanda Ndamane/ Independent Newspapers
While President Cyril Ramaphosa made a number of promises during his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) after the establishment of the Government of National Unity (GNU), many on social media felt that he was again delivering hollow promises.
During his Address, Ramaphosa highlighted three key areas of focus that the government intends to prioritise: inclusive economic growth, reduction of poverty and building a capable state.
He also touched on delivering a country free of corruption.
“Last year, we established the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption as a permanent entity within the NPA dedicated to investigating and prosecuting high-level corruption cases,” he said.
The President also mentioned releasing more underutilised state properties for affordable housing development.
“We will provide 300,000 serviced stands to qualifying beneficiaries to enable housing development in well-planned, connected communities along key development corridors.”
He touched on tackling unemployment, a R100bn Transformation Fund, and also said that effort is being made to unlock R100bn in infrastructure financing.
On social media, however, people were less than enthused by his address mentioning that it is all talk:
@sile_siba: Can he finish already 🙄#SONA2025
https://x.com/sile_siba/status/1887558790855463415
Zikhona: I’ve lost so much hope in our government that this is my reaction to everything Cupcake says #SONA2025
https://x.com/__Zikhona/status/1887558786983825812
Courtz: “Mining is the bedrock on which our country was built”, yes it was also the bedrock on which the most brutal system of slavery, dispossession and genocide was built. #SONA2025
https://x.com/Courtz_RM/status/1887558502786167154
Kgomoyama: There's no single economy in the world being driven on renewable energy. Ramaphosa is dreaming. We are Already paying more than we should for electricity #SONA2025
https://x.com/Kgomoyamaphoto/status/1887558439880049090
@LeboneMphahlele: Nna SONA e mborela gore it's a nice powerpoint presentation but 90% of the ideas are just wishes and dreams the execution it's close to none 🤢
Lapho Cupcake sounds so believable ka di billion dollars tsa hae speaking like he was not the president few years ago 😹 #SONA2025
https://x.com/LeboneMphahlele/status/1887556907449070016
Mr Quarantine: #SONA2025 lies after lies after lies.😳😳😳😳😳
https://x.com/MrQuarantines/status/1887555309503156332
Supreme Jedi: This #SONA2025 is some kind of a joke right? Nobody is going to want to invest in S.A. with the new ewc laws...
https://x.com/The_SupremeJedi/status/1887553306249105433
@BigFlex30:
We will.....
We will.....
We will......
We will......
Welele 🤦♂️
#SONA2025
https://x.com/BigFlex30/status/1887553906017788147
@siphosihlembuli: The State of the Nation Address is hard to watch because, after today, it means nothing. We have an executive that won’t execute.
https://x.com/siphosihlembuli/status/1887549756844744809
Courtney Prince: I will never ever listen to a ANC politician again. The biggest waste of time you will find these days. #SONA2025
https://x.com/Cprince66/status/1887553075000549647