SONA 2025: President Ramaphosa promises economic growth amid service delivery challenges
SONA 2025: President Ramaphosa promises economic growth amid service delivery challenges! President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) since the establishment of South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU). His speech was delivered against the backdrop of deepening service delivery challenges, growing discontent in communities like Soweto, and mounting economic struggles across the country.
Ramaphosa outlined an ambitious medium-term strategy to address key issues facing South Africa. His three main priorities for government action include:
- Inclusive economic growth
- Poverty reduction
- Building a capable and efficient state
These commitments were framed as an urgent call to action as frustrations mount among citizens struggling with inadequate public services, failing infrastructure, and the consequences of high unemployment.
President Ramaphosa
Addressing Failing Municipalities
While Ramaphosa pledged to elevate South Africa’s service delivery standards, he acknowledged that many municipalities were failing to perform their duties effectively. He criticized local governments for their lack of technical skills and poor management of revenue, which has resulted in infrastructure decay and continued service delivery failures.
“Many municipalities have not invested their revenue into the upkeep of the infrastructure. Many of these challenges also arise in the design of our systems. We will undertake to outline fit-for-purpose local government systems. We will also review the funding models of municipalities.”
Ramaphosa also emphasized the role of traditional leaders in implementing local development programs, stating that they must be actively involved in governance to improve the efficiency of local government structures.
The Ongoing Water Crisis in South Africa
Ramaphosa’s speech comes amid increasing concerns about water shortages in many areas, including the Drieziek community. Some residents claim they have been without water for over six months, forcing them to rely on donated water tanks for drinking and cooking.
A community member, who preferred to remain anonymous, expressed frustration:
“We are really struggling with water and have not had access to water for more than six months. We have had to rely on the JoJo tank that was donated for a funeral just to get drinking water.”
Ward councillor Mxolisi Nzondo confirmed the dire situation, stating that despite repeated calls for government intervention, there has been no clear solution to the water crisis in the area.
“We have a serious water issue here. The people of this area have not had water for more than six months. What we try to do is organize water tanks for those who are burying their loved ones.”
Ramaphosa responded by promising increased investment in water infrastructure and strict regulations on water quality compliance.
“Within the next year, we will unlock greater investment in water projects and remove licenses for those who do not meet quality standards.”
Unemployment and Crime Among Youth
Beyond service delivery, the president also touched on South Africa’s high unemployment rate, particularly among young people.
Nzondo emphasized how unemployment has fueled drug abuse and crime, as young people struggle to find opportunities.
“Young people are unemployed, and this makes them resort to drugs and crime to occupy themselves. People are not employed, and there are no resources or facilities to keep them busy. We want skills centers and drug rehab centers.”
While Ramaphosa’s speech included broad commitments to job creation, it remains unclear whether concrete programs will be implemented in the immediate future to address youth unemployment.
Expert Analysis: Service Delivery and Municipal Reform
Professor Richard Meissner, a water and local government expert from Unisa, shared his thoughts on the real state of service delivery in South Africa. He dismissed claims that service delivery is improving, pointing out that services remain deeply unequal, particularly in rural areas.
“Currently, service delivery is not on par, but not everywhere in the country. There are places where service delivery functions better than in others.”
Meissner added that he expects legislative reforms, including updates to the Municipal Structures Act (MSA) and Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), which could reshape how local governments operate.
“That traditional leaders will be consulted is also promising, because across large parts of rural areas, they have political authority, and it is usually in these areas where service delivery is lacking more so than in urban areas.”
The Road Ahead for South Africa
Ramaphosa’s first SONA under the GNU has set the stage for bold reforms, but many citizens remain skeptical about whether these promises will lead to real, tangible improvements.
As water shortages, failing municipalities, and youth unemployment continue to plague South African communities, the true test for the Government of National Unity will be its ability to deliver meaningful change rather than just making empty promises.
The coming months will reveal whether Ramaphosa’s government can truly transform local governance, tackle service delivery challenges, and revive South Africa’s struggling economy.
