SONA: focus remains on infrastructure governance and socioeconomics

2025’s SONA was a strong statement on SA’s aims and objectives, in the changing global backdrop and SA’s  place in it. The President stressed “it is a multipolar world in which new countries are emerging to play a greater role in global affairs.

We are seeing intensifying competition over trade, technology and influence in global institutions. There are global fundamental shifts underway that affect every aspect of human life.” 

With the crux of the speech the “meaningful partnerships between government and business, labour, civil society and other social partners to drive growth and development. These stand as models of cooperation for the rest of the world”.

While the SONA once again touched on the same themes run through each year, and the various crises gripping the country, with progress on electricity broadly meeting the objectives of the 2024 SONA, and to some extent the DHA.

However, water shortages persist, and the deterioration of infrastructure in many areas of municipalities. The SONA notes“starting this year, we will … establish professionally managed, ring-fenced utilities for water and electricity services.”

Transnet remains the biggest impediment to economic growth, and so employment and poverty reduction, subtracting at least 3.0% y/y from GDP growth. The SONA references the Freight Logistics Roadmap and leveraging private capital.

Adding “we released a Network Statement in December 2024 which … will enable private rail operators to access the freight rail system. However, concern in the private sector persists over the state’s ability to maintain the freight infrastructure.

On employment, poverty and governance, the SONA noted “we have adopted the Medium-Term Development Plan, which sets out a clear and ambitious programme for the next five years. Firstly, to drive inclusive growth and job creation”.

Secondly, to reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living. Thirdly, to build a capable, ethical and developmental state. Our most urgent task is to grow our economy so that we can create jobs, reduce poverty” and improve livelihoods.

“We need a government that works for the people. We need a state that is capable and competent, underpinned by a professional public service. Government will spend more than R940 billion on infrastructure over the next three years.”

Climate change did not get an update, but the work of the Department of Home Affairs saw significant progress, while transformation and empowerment funds were focused on, and corruption, skills, education, safety, GBV tourism, health, housing.