Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on Thursday evening, outlining government’s plan to grow the economy, create jobs, fight crime and urgently address the country’s worsening water crisis.
The President said South Africa is showing signs of economic recovery, with four consecutive quarters of GDP growth, lower inflation and improving investor confidence. He noted that the country’s credit rating has improved, borrowing costs have declined and the rand has strengthened.
However, Ramaphosa admitted that many South Africans are still struggling.
“For too many people, life remains hard. Jobs are scarce and opportunity is out of reach,” he said.
R1 Trillion for Infrastructure
A major highlight of the address was government’s commitment of more than R1 trillion in infrastructure investment over the next three years. This includes projects in energy, water, transport and digital infrastructure.
Ramaphosa said load shedding has been brought to an end, with increased investment in renewable energy. By 2030, more than 40% of South Africa’s energy supply is expected to come from renewable sources.
Government is also restructuring Eskom and allowing private companies to participate more in electricity generation and transmission.
Water Crisis Declared a National Priority
Water shortages, especially in Gauteng and other parts of the country, were identified as one of the most urgent challenges.
The President announced the establishment of a National Water Crisis Committee, which he will chair, to coordinate government’s response. More than R156 billion has been committed to water and sanitation infrastructure over the next three years.
Government has already laid criminal charges against 56 municipalities that have failed to meet their water obligations, and municipal managers could face personal accountability.
Ramaphosa acknowledged that poor planning, maintenance failures and weak local government are at the heart of the crisis.
SANDF to Support Police in Crime Fight
Crime and organised syndicates were described as one of the biggest threats to the country’s stability and economic growth.
To tackle gang violence and illegal mining, the President confirmed that the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will be deployed to support police operations in areas such as the Western Cape and Gauteng.
Government will also recruit 5,500 additional police officers this year, strengthen anti-corruption agencies, and introduce a Whistle-Blower Protection Bill to safeguard those who expose corruption.
“Organised crime is now the most immediate threat to our democracy,” Ramaphosa said.
Jobs and Youth at the Centre
Job creation remains a key priority. Government has created over 2.5 million work opportunities through the Presidential Employment Stimulus, mainly benefiting young people and women.
Small and medium enterprises will receive over R2.5 billion in funding, with additional guarantees to support business growth.
Ramaphosa also highlighted plans to expand higher education institutions, improve skills training through TVET colleges, and reform the skills development system to better link education with workplace experience.
Social Support and Health
The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant will continue, but government plans to redesign it to better link recipients with work and skills opportunities.
In healthcare, investment will be made in hospital infrastructure as part of preparations for the National Health Insurance (NHI). A nationwide rollout of a new HIV prevention injection, Lenacapavir, is also planned.
Government will also intensify efforts to fight gender-based violence and femicide, which was previously declared a national disaster.
Call for Unity
The President concluded by saying South Africa has “turned a corner” but warned that much work still lies ahead.
Government’s three main priorities remain:
Driving inclusive growth and job creation
Reducing poverty and the cost of living
Building a capable, ethical and developmental state
Ramaphosa called on all South Africans to work together to build a stronger, safer and more equal nation.
“This must be the year that we make South Africa stronger,” he said.
