Some of the political parties represented in Parliament have urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to focus squarely on the everyday struggles facing South Africans when he delivers the State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Ramaphosa is set to present the annual address on Thursday evening at the Cape Town City Hall.
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The historic venue has hosted SONA since January 2022, after a fire damaged parts of the Parliamentary precinct.
Across the political spectrum, parties say the President must confront pressing concerns including unemployment, water shortages, crime and economic stagnation.
Unemployment, Water and Governance Under the Spotlight at SONA
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) says it expects clear evidence of delivery under the Government of National Unity (GNU).
MKP Caretaker Chief Whip Mmabatho Mokoena-Zondi said the party wants tangible results rather than political rhetoric.
“From the MK Party and as the official opposition, we are looking for one thing delivered (achieved). The President must explain what the Government of National Unity has changed, not politically.
“Economically we want to know practically … people have no water, electricity is still unstable, municipalities are still failing, and young people remain locked out of the economy,” adds Mokoena-Zondi.
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The Patriotic Alliance (PA) echoed similar concerns, calling for accountability and measurable progress on economic inclusion and public safety.
PA Member of Parliament Jasmine Petersen said, “In this SONA the Patriotic Alliance expects to see more of the GNU promises gradually fulfilled with clear guidelines and accountability in advancing economic inclusion, job creation, safer communities and equitable development for all.”
Rural Safety, Border Control and Gender-Based Violence in Focus
The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) wants firm commitments on rural security, border management and gender-based violence.
IFP Chief Whip Nhlanhla Hadebe outlined the party’s expectations: “We expect firm action to strengthen border control, address illegal immigration and improve rural safety with better policies and dedicated gender-based violence and femicide units.
“We want real plans to bring down youth unemployment; support [for] small businesses, small scale farming and water security must also take centre stage.”
Build One South Africa (BOSA) leader Dr Mmusi Maimane said stable leadership in policing and improvements in education must feature prominently in the address.
“[President Ramaphosa] Must be able to tell us categorically who the Minister of Police is. So that we have stable leadership. We can ensure that we devolve policing and ensure that we increase the 120.000 missing detectives, so that South Africa becomes safe.
“President Ramaphosa [should] address the question of education … how do we increase the number of learners who taking maths and science. So that more can participate in the economy. Thirdly, how do we ensure that our economy is able to grow between 4% and 5%,” explains Dr Maimane.
Land Reform, Youth Development and International Solidarity Debated Ahead of SONA
The Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC) has called for land reform to be placed at the centre of the national agenda.
Secretary General Apa Pooe said, “The PAC therefore expect SONA to confront the real crisis. Immediate land restoration and tenure security industrialisation that creates dignified and sustainable jobs. Uncompromised end to corruption and wasteful expenditure.
“Bold investment in youth development education and community infrastructure. To secure the land is to restore justice to empower the young and build the nation South Africa. [We] cannot postpone economic freedom any longer – the time for justice is now.”
Meanwhile, Al Jama-ah has urged the President to reaffirm South Africa’s stance on international solidarity.
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Party MP Imraan Ismail-Moosa said, “Al Jama-ah expects the President to reaffirm South Africa’s historic commitment to African and international solidarity rooted in the support we ourselves received during the anti apartheid struggle.
“We further expect clarity that restrictive doctrines such as the so called first save country principle has no basis on international refugee law.”
As anticipation builds ahead of Thursday’s address, political parties are united on one point — South Africans want decisive action on the issues that directly affect their daily lives.
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