As South Africa prepares for President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday, political leaders are calling for urgent action on local government, crime, and economic growth.
Political analyst Sanusha Naidu told VOC News that the address will be closely scrutinised.
“The SONA is about more than achievements — it’s about setting out the roadmap for 2026. Citizens want clarity on how the government will restore trust, improve local governance, tackle crime and unemployment, and ensure basic services are delivered,” she said.
“One of the biggest challenges for the President is rebuilding trust between the state and citizens, particularly amid concerns about crime, corruption, and service delivery. People want to see concrete plans, not just promises,” Naidu added.
Unite for Change, a coalition comprising the GOOD Party, Rise Mzansi, and BOSA, highlighted the crisis facing municipalities.
“Every South African calls a municipality home; every business relies on functioning local governments. Municipalities are the closest sphere of government and are critical to service delivery and economic growth,” the coalition said.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde stressed the need for decisive leadership.
“South Africa cannot afford another year of policy uncertainty. Local law enforcement must be adequately resourced to tackle organised crime and gangsterism,” he said.
GOOD Party Secretary-General Brett Herron called on the President to prioritise education reform, economic growth, housing, and criminal justice.
“These areas are essential to protecting human dignity and creating opportunities for all South Africans,” he said.
Economist Frank Blackmore said infrastructure development and job creation should underpin fiscal stability and long-term growth.
“The focus must be on building a foundation for sustainable economic development,” he said.
Photo: sourced
