President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged South Africans to step into 2026 with a renewed sense of hope, reflection and determination, while candidly acknowledging the serious challenges the country faced throughout 2025.
“A new year is upon us. As we welcome the New Year, we do so with reflection, resolve, and hope.”
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In his New Year address, the President spoke openly about the economic strain on households, persistent unemployment, deep-rooted poverty and inequality, as well as the ongoing threat posed by crime, including gang activity and gender-based violence.
“It is a matter of concern that many South Africans are unemployed and that poverty and inequality persist. The high cost of living has imposed huge burdens of South African households.”
South Africa’s economic challenges and government response
Ramaphosa said the government remains focused on tackling these pressures through collaboration with business, labour, civil society and ordinary citizens, stressing that progress depends on collective action.
“Our success in addressing these challenges includes working together in partnership between the government, business, labour, civil society, and every citizen committed to the future of our country.”
He pointed to encouraging signs in the economy, citing initiatives aimed at youth job creation, stronger performance by state-owned enterprises, increased infrastructure investment and a moderation in inflation.
“The structural transformation programme that we embarked on five years ago is showing positive progress.”
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Jobs, infrastructure and public employment programmes
The President highlighted improvements at Eskom, advances in transport infrastructure and the impact of public employment initiatives, including the Youth Employment Service, which has provided more than 200,000 young people with work experience opportunities.
“Through the Presidential Employment Stimulus, the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention and other public employment programs, we have enabled thousands of people to find opportunities to earn, learn and build livelihoods.”
Anti-corruption drive and fight against crime
Ramaphosa also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling corruption and strengthening law enforcement, noting progress in recovering stolen public funds and addressing illegal mining and economic crimes.
“Rooting out corruption is our overriding priority. Through the excellent work of the Special Investigating Unit, the SIU, and the Asset Forfeiture Unit we have recovered billions of stolen money.”
Addressing the scourge of gender-based violence, he called on men across the country to play an active role in protecting women and girls.
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“I call upon the men of South Africa to respect and honour the young girls and the women of South Africa and desist from gender-based violence and femicide.”
The President closed his message by thanking South Africans for their contributions across all sectors and extending well wishes for the year ahead.
“Wherever you may be across our beautiful land, I wish you a happy and blessed new year. May God bless South Africa and protect its people.”
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