By Thapelo Molefe
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) has sparked sharp reactions from across the political spectrum, with opposition parties slamming it as lacking substance, vision and urgency, while the ANC defended it as a practical roadmap for progress.
Ramaphosa delivered his SONA on Thursday evening, outlining his administration’s vision for the country.
The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party launched a scathing attack on the president’s address, calling it a reflection of a “failed state”.
Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela criticised the speech for failing to address South Africa’s economic decline.
“We can’t even refer to it as a plan. This is just a reflection of a failed state of the nothingness address. Our GDP per capita is growing at a slower rate than the population, making South Africans poorer,” Ndhlela said.
He also accused the government of privatising essential services like water and electricity, and relying too heavily on loans from the International Monetary Fund and World Bank.
Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema denounced Ramaphosa’s speech, arguing that it lacked both accountability and clear direction.
“The president doesn’t account for what he said in previous SONAs. There’s no plan. He says he will create jobs, but doesn’t tell us where and how,” Malema stated.
He also dismissed the government’s proposed R940 billion infrastructure investment, citing past unfulfilled promises such as the incomplete Giyani water project and stalled housing developments in Alexandra.
However, Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen welcomed the president’s acknowledgment of DA-led policies, but stressed the need for faster implementation.
He emphasised the urgent need for private sector involvement in energy production to reduce Eskom’s monopoly, along with increased infrastructure investment through public-private partnerships.
Additionally, he called for visa reforms to attract skilled workers and entrepreneurs.
While the DA sees progress in these areas, Steenhuisen warned that slow implementation would hinder economic recovery and job creation.
Defending Ramaphosa’s address, ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula emphasised that it laid out a concrete plan for economic growth, job creation and industrial development.
“The president has presented the medium-term development plan for South Africa, prioritising job creation and economic growth. It is a very sound and practicable plan that South Africans should support,” Mbalula said.
He also pushed back against recent critical remarks by figures like Elon Musk and U.S President Donald Trump, asserting that South Africa would not be “bullied” by misinformation.
Build One South Africa leader Mmusi Maimane criticised the address as a missed opportunity to take decisive action against corruption and economic stagnation.
“If you want to build a capable state, you can’t afford corruption at any level. We needed to hear clear measures on tackling corruption,” Maimane said.
He also argued that the government’s economic targets were too low, advocating for a 5% economic growth goal instead of the proposed 3%.
GOOD Party secretary-general Brett Herron acknowledged that the address provided more economic details than in previous years, but criticised the growth targets as insufficient.
“The speech was probably the most comprehensive in terms of economic plans, but 3% growth is too low. We need at least 5% growth to meaningfully reduce unemployment,” Herron said.
He also expressed disappointment that Ramaphosa did not commit to implementing a basic income grant despite acknowledging the benefits of the Social Relief of Distress Grant.
Freedom Front Plus leader Pieter Groenewald dismissed the address as repetitive and lacking fresh solutions.
“It was an important opportunity for the president to reset South Africa’s path, but instead, we heard the same old promises. People on the ground don’t see any real changes in their lives,” Groenewald said.
African Transformation Movement leader Vuyolwethu Zungula criticised the president for failing to provide accountability for past promises.
“People are suffering from high unemployment, crime, and load-shedding. Since 2018, the president has been making promises, but nothing has changed,” Zungula said.
African Christian Democratic Party leader Kenneth Meshoe called on Ramaphosa to provide answers regarding allegations of corruption linked to the Phala Phala farm scandal.
“The president failed to tell the nation how the $4million ended up on his farm. The Public Protector may have cleared him, but we are not convinced that the investigation was thorough,” Meshoe said.
ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba accused Ramaphosa of failing to address key issues such as illegal mining and economic decline.
“The president should have taken a more direct approach, especially after losing the ANC’s absolute majority. His failure to address mining safety and illegal operations shows a lack of commitment,” Mashaba said.
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