By Nco Dube

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) attempts to paint a hopeful picture, but runs the significant risk of further eroding public trust. The speech, while acknowledging key challenges and setting out ambitious goals, feels disconnected from the immediate realities and frustrations felt by ordinary South Africans.

After three decades of hearing promises, the overwhelming sentiment is “Show me, don’t tell me.” The GNU risks a severe credibility crisis if these grand plans don’t translate into tangible, visible improvements, and fast.

President Cyril Ramaphosa delivering the State of the Nation Address (SONA), the first for the 7th term of Parliament, at the Cape Town City Hall on Thursday. The State of the Nation Address is called in terms of Section 42(5) of the Constitution. It is a joint sitting of the two Houses of Parliament and one of the rare occasions that brings together the three arms of the state under one roof. SONA provides the President with an opportunity to speak to the nation about the general state of South Africa, to reflect on a wide range of political, economic and social matters within the domestic and global contexts, to account to the nation on the work of government, and to set out government’s programme of action. Photographer : Xabiso Mkhabela / xinhua

Mourning and the Freedom Charter: A Disconnect

The speech begins with the nation mourning the loss of soldiers in the DRC, a sobering start. However, the subsequent segue to the 70th anniversary of the Freedom Charter feels jarring. While the Charter represents the aspirational ideals of a democratic South Africa, it highlights the gap between those ideals and the lived experiences of many who still grapple with poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunity. For many, the constant referencing of the Freedom Charter feels like a broken record, a reminder of promises yet to be fulfilled.

The President’s call for unity within the GNU is crucial, but the public’s patience is wearing thin. They’re not interested in political manoeuvring; they want to see a government that delivers. The GNU will be judged not on its formation, but on its ability to tangibly improve lives.

Three Pillars and Familiar Shortcomings

The SONA outlines three strategic priorities: inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and the high cost of living, and building a capable, ethical, and developmental state. These are the same pillars we’ve heard before, and frankly, the lack of significant progress on these fronts fuels public cynicism.

1. Inclusive Growth and Job Creation:

The goal of exceeding three percent economic growth is ambitious, but the speech lacks concrete details on how this will be achieved. The reliance on infrastructure investment is positive, with specific projects mentioned like the Mtentu Bridge and the Polihali Dam. However, the proof will be in the pudding: will these projects be completed on time, within budget, and create meaningful employment opportunities for local communities? The claim that Operation Vulindlela has created a “new sense of optimism and confidence” needs to be substantiated with hard data and visible results. The planned “second wave of reform” requires significantly more detail.

The reforms in the energy and logistics sectors are vital. The President points to reduced load shedding due to the Energy Action Plan. However, the return of load shedding for two days last week completely undermines this claim and highlights the unreliability that still plagues the energy sector. The Electricity Regulation Amendment Act is a good start, but its effective implementation is key.

The revitalisation of port terminals and rail corridors is essential. The Network Statement enabling private rail operators to access the freight rail system is a potentially game-changing reform. However, this requires urgent action to address infrastructure bottlenecks and ensure fair competition. Will this lead to real improvements in efficiency and cost for businesses? The devil’s in the details, and South Africans are tired of waiting for those details to materialize.

2. Reducing Poverty and Tackling the High Cost of Living:

This is the area where the SONA truly falls short. Acknowledging the urgency of the situation is not enough. The speech lacks concrete, targeted interventions to address the immediate financial pressures faced by ordinary citizens. What about specific measures to combat rising food prices, increase social grants, or provide targeted support to struggling households? This absence will be deeply felt by those who are struggling to make ends meet. Saying that you want to reduce poverty doesn’t cut it anymore; people need to see a plan that actually works, and fast.

3. Building a Capable, Ethical, and Developmental State:

The emphasis on a capable and competent public service is undermined by the ongoing reports of corruption, mismanagement, and inefficiency. Strengthening the Public Service Commission and introducing a graduate recruitment scheme are steps in the right direction, but they need to be implemented with genuine commitment and accountability. The plan to establish professionally managed utilities for water and electricity services in municipalities is promising, but will require a complete overhaul of local government structures and a zero-tolerance approach to corruption.

The Credibility Crisis: Talk is Cheap

The overarching problem is that the SONA feels disconnected from the lived realities of many South Africans. After years of empty promises, they need to see tangible progress, not just hear more rhetoric. The GNU, in particular, faces immense pressure to deliver. As a coalition government, it needs to demonstrate its ability to work together and deliver results that benefit all citizens. If it fails to do so, it will quickly lose public confidence.

Immediate Actions Needed: No More Kicking the Can Down the Road

To address the credibility gap and deliver tangible results, the government needs to prioritise the following immediate actions:

Quick Win Projects: Focus on highly visible projects that can be completed quickly and have a direct impact on people’s lives. This could include repairing roads, improving street lighting, and providing access to basic services.

Targeted Relief: Implement immediate relief measures to alleviate the financial burden on vulnerable households. This could include increasing social grants, removing administrative barriers to access to the SRD grant (as ordered by the courts), providing food assistance, and further subsidising essential services.

Accountability and Transparency: Enforce strict accountability for government officials and ensure transparency in all government processes. Root out corruption and hold those responsible accountable.

Community Engagement: Engage with communities to identify their specific needs and priorities. Ensure that government programs are responsive to local needs.

Cross-Party Cooperation: Foster genuine cooperation within the GNU to ensure that the government is focused on delivering results, not political squabbling.

The Clock is Ticking

President Ramaphosa’s 2025 SONA, while well-intentioned, risks further damaging public trust due to its reliance on promises rather than concrete action. The GNU faces a critical test. It must demonstrate its ability to deliver tangible improvements to the lives of ordinary South Africans or risk losing credibility and support. The time for talking is over. South Africans are demanding action, and the clock is ticking. The success of the GNU, and the future of the country, depends on its ability to deliver.

(Dube is a Political Economist, Businessman, and Social Commentator on Ukhozi FM. His views don't necessarily reflect those of the Sunday Tribune or Independent Media)