Dear Mr President, this is what South Africans want to hear in your SONA speech
South Africans will want to know seven key things tomorrow.
Image: Itumeleng English | Independent Newspapers
As South Africa prepares for President Cyril Ramaphosa’s next address State of the Nation Address, and the red-carpet parade, IOL compiled a list of pressing issues he should address
A year ago, the President stood in Parliament and sketched a vision of structural renewal, many of which had been achieved. Here's what else we want to see:
The “water load shedding” plan
The 2025 promise of a “National Water Agency” was a start, but the pipes are still bursting.
- Watch for: Does he announce a specific “Energy-style” intervention for water? South Africans want to hear about ring-fenced water budgets so that the money you pay for your water bill actually goes to fixing the pipes, not paying municipal salaries.
The 2% growth barrier
The IMF and Treasury say we are limited at around 1.4% growth. To really fix unemployment, we need 3%.
- Watch for: Does he mention more about Phase II of Operation Vulindlela? This is the team that fixed the electricity. If he says they are now moving into “Industry and Tourism” with the same power they used on Eskom, that’s a win for the economy.
The “United States” question
With new trade tariffs and changes in the US government (a major export market for our cars and fruit), our trade is at risk.
- Watch for: Any mention of the African Growth and Opportunity Act or new trade deals with the BRICS+. This tells us if our export jobs – especially in the Eastern Cape and Gauteng – are safe.
Corruption: The “Office of Public Integrity”
State capture left a massive scar, and people are tired of “commissions” that don’t lead to jail time.
- Watch for: A deadline for the Office of Public Integrity. This was promised as a way to make the NPA truly independent. If there’s no date, there’s no plan.
A look back at how government performed over the past year.
Image: ChatGPT
The “SRD” Grant and Basic Income
Over 28 million people rely on some form of state support. With the cost of living still sky-high, the R370 grant is a hot topic.
- Watch for: Does he turn the temporary “Social Relief of Distress” grant into a Permanent Basic Income Grant? This is the ultimate “wallet” issue for millions of households.
The “Rail Open Access” reality
In 2025, the President promised to open our railways to private companies so that Transnet isn’t the only player on the tracks.
- Watch for: Has the “Network Statement” (the rulebook for private trains) been finalised without being watered down? We need to hear if the 11 private operators approved last year are actually moving cargo yet. If he announces a date for the first private train to run on the main corridors, it’s a massive signal that our export economy is finally “unstuck.”
The “Municipal Money” makeover
Almost every town in South Africa is broke because the funding model doesn’t work. In 2025, he promised to review the “White Paper on Local Government” and change how municipalities get paid.
- Watch for: Does he announce a new funding formula for municipalities? Specifically, look for mentions of “writing off” or restructuring the billions in debt that municipalities owe to Eskom and Water Boards. Without a “clean slate” for local government, the pipes will keep bursting no matter how many agencies we create.
IOL BUSINESS