SONA 2026: Ramaphosa promises growth and job creation, experts warn progress too slow
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2026 State of the Nation Address painted a picture of a South Africa “turning the corner,”
Image: Henk Kruger
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2026 State of the Nation Address painted a picture of a South Africa “turning the corner,” with plans to grow the economy, create jobs, and improve public services.
The President pointed to steady economic growth, low inflation, and rising business confidence. He also announced measures to reduce energy costs, improve digital services, build housing, and strengthen border security.
However, experts warn that growth remains too slow to make a significant dent in unemployment. Dr Elias Ndou, economist at UNISA, said while South Africa’s economic growth is a positive sign, it is not enough to create the jobs the country desperately needs.
“Yes, the economy is showing signs of recovery low inflation, modest GDP growth, and improvements in business confidence are all encouraging,” Dr Ndou said.
“These are the conditions needed to stimulate investment and sustain economic momentum. But this growth is still too low to tackle the unemployment crisis. We are creating only a fraction of the jobs needed. For real change, growth must consistently be above 2%, and that requires not just macroeconomic stability, but deliberate strategies to stimulate sectors that employ large numbers of people."
Cape Chamber president Jacques Moolman welcomed the President’s focus on key economic and social challenges.
“The Chamber specifically supports the focus on tackling a wide range of challenges affecting both the economy and society at large… We are encouraged by the continued focus on energy reform specifically the promise of a reduction in energy costs, which is vital for lowering the cost of doing business,” he said.
However, Moolman warned that “too much time is spent on rhetoric without detailing how goals will be met. Actual reform requires accountability for those responsible for past incompetence and state capture.”
Dr Simiso Msomi, an economist at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, said the President’s speech showed awareness of the country’s challenges but fell short on concrete plans.
“A large portion of the speech was similar to what he said last year. It shows he is aware of the issues, but he did not dwell much on what progress has been made since the previous address,” Dr Msomi said.
He welcomed the recognition of the need to grow the economy and reduce unemployment, particularly among young people, but stressed that grants alone are not enough.
“The SASSA grants provide temporary relief, but we also need skills development and opportunities for youth to enter the job market. That is the only way to reduce reliance on social relief in the long term,” he said.
mthobisi.nozulela@iol.co.za
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