SALGA urges implementation in 2026 State of the Nation Address

THE South African Local Government Association (SALGA) is calling on President Cyril Ramaphosa to deliver a State of the Nation Address (SONA) that shifts focus from commitments to implementation when he speaks on Thursday, 12 February 2026.

As South Africa marks 30 years of organized local government and the Constitution, SALGA anticipates the president will reaffirm local government's central role in national development and demonstrate measurable progress on reforms announced in previous SONAs. These include professionalising local government, reviewing the local government funding model, and institutionalising the District Development Model.

SALGA President Cllr. Bheke Stofile emphasised the need for concrete action, stating, "Communities expect to see results from the previous commitments made by the 7th Administration. This year’s address needs to go beyond diagnosis and deliver a clear roadmap for implementation, including funding commitment. Local government is ready to partner with national and provincial counterparts to turn policy into progress."

The association highlights persistent challenges facing municipalities, including infrastructure backlogs, unemployment, and a shrinking revenue base, which erode public trust. SALGA stresses the importance of investing in critical infrastructure maintenance and upgrades to ensure a stable water supply, reliable electricity, proper sanitation, and well-maintained roads.

A SALGA delegation, led by the SALGA Presidency, will attend the SONA 2026 to represent the sector's unified voice and ensure promises translate into real improvements for communities.