By Lebone Rodah Mosima and Simon Nare
Leading South African political parties have delivered mixed reactions to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA), with some welcoming aspects of the speech while others dismissed it as recycled rhetoric lacking urgency and accountability.
Several parties said they would reserve final judgment until the national Budget is tabled to determine whether the President’s commitments are adequately funded.
The EFF said the address confirmed what it described as “serious rot” in the justice system.
Party leader Julius Malema cited testimony by Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department acting chief Julius Mkhwanazi at the Madlanga Commission, saying it exposed deep dysfunction, including the need for State Security to vet SAPS and metro police structures.
Malema said the commission had revealed that parts of local government were being run “like a spaza shop”. The EFF further criticised Ramaphosa for failing to decisively break from past
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