President Cyril Ramaphosa faces a major test as South Africans look to his State of the Nation Address (SONA) to dispel fears and concerns over the Land Expropriation Act, tensions between Rwanda and Pretoria, and uncertainties surrounding the Government of National Unity (GNU).
The annual address, set to be delivered on Thursday in Parliament, Cape Town, will provide Ramaphosa with a stage and a crucial prime-time opportunity to address pressing national issues.
Political analyst Sandile Swana said SONA comes at a time when unemployment stands at 12.2 million, arguing that the GDP growth rate needs to be above 4% to reduce joblessness. He noted that economic growth remains sluggish.
“We need to discuss what can be done in South Africa with all the natural resources—the land, the rain, the sun. Everything is here to enable our people to be productive and produce goods to meet the needs of the domestic population, the African continent, and BRICS countries,” Swana said.
“There is a need to clarify our approach to the African Continental Free Trade Area and BRICS. According to the IMF, over the next five years, global GDP growth will be led by BRICS countries," he said.
However, Swana argued that South Africa has failed to tap into BRICS markets to foster economic collaboration, adding that ongoing power cuts continue to hinder economic progress.
“The economy is under attack from load shedding, and we need answers. But up to now, the government has not provided a convincing response,” he said.
Infrastructure and Water Crisis
Swana stressed that Ramaphosa must address the country’s water crisis, as South Africa’s water and sanitation systems are under "extraordinary pressure."
“Sixty-two free-flowing rivers have not been developed to improve our water security. We are told that in Johannesburg alone, only 6% of municipal bridges are safe for use,” he said.
He added that South Africa faces a serious infrastructure backlog, with the government yet to implement a credible redevelopment and maintenance plan.
Ramaphosa delivered two SONAs last year, in which he pledged to make South Africa a better country. He promised economic development, good governance, consistent service delivery, and a conducive environment for business growth.
GNU Stability and Military Strategy
Political analyst Professor Tumi Senokoane of the University of South Africa said Ramaphosa must use SONA to address the ongoing disputes among GNU coalition partners.
Senokoane argued that the GNU is failing to deliver on its promises, while the Expropriation Bill has created uncertainty in society.
“The urgent matter is the stability of the GNU. The coalition must provide a fresh start, moving away from a politics of non-commitment and non-delivery. It must create stable jobs and economic opportunities both locally and internationally,” he said.
Senokoane also highlighted the importance of reviewing South Africa’s military strategy.
“We need to revisit our military strategy from invention to design and operation. Denel, Armscor, and the former Idcor, now Mittal, should be areas of focus. Significant investment is needed to strengthen our military position globally,” he said.
SONA comes as the country prepares to receive the remains of South African soldiers killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
At least 14 troops were killed by M23 rebels, escalating tensions between Ramaphosa and Rwandan President Paul Kagame.
Senokoane noted that South Africa was once a global leader in military defence manufacturing.
“This gave us leverage over other nations in Africa and, by extension, the world. Lastly, the president must clarify his government’s position on land and make it clear that South Africa is not a country of beggars.
“We must prioritise the interests of our people over foreign entities that use their financial influence to shape our policies,” Senokoane said.
US Threatens Financial Aid Cut Over Land Expropriation
Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump has threatened to cut financial aid to South Africa if the country proceeds with the Expropriation Act.
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