DStv Channel 403 Monday, 17 March 2025
Logo

SONA 2025 | SUMMARY | Ramaphosa introduces the Reform Agenda

Thursday 06 February 2025 - 21:00pm
President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers the State of the Nation Address. AFP/Rodger Bosch

President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers the State of the Nation Address. AFP/Rodger Bosch

CAPE TOWN - President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the first State of the Nation Address under the Government of National Unity on Thursday.

The speech took place at the parliamentary precinct in Cape Town and eNCA has summarised some of the most salient points of the speech:

The president paid tribute to the SANDF soldiers who lost their lives in the conflict in the DRC last month.

14 South African soldiers were killed while fighting against M23 rebels in the eastern part of that country.

In his State of the Nation Address, Ramaphosa said national flags would be flown at half-mast for a week to honour the fallen soldiers beginning on Friday.

Ramaphosa highlighted the need for national unity and collaboration in working towards growth and development. 

"Together, we have built durable institutions that support our democracy, protect our fundamental rights and promote the well-being of South Africans," he said.

The Government of National Unity has adopted the Medium-Term Development Plan for the next five years.

It will be focused on inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and the high cost of living, and building a capable, ethical state to improve governance and service delivery.

Government remains determined to retain and rehabilitate ailing state-owned enterprises.

The president told the country that a dedicated SOE reform unit will soon be in place to facilitate this revival.

In 2024 over 40 of the country’s 257 municipalities were under administration.

Municipalities are responsible for administration, budgeting, and planning to meet the fundamental needs of their communities, driving both social and economic development.

However, many struggle due to a lack of technical skills and resources.

Addressing these issues during the State of the Nation Address, Ramaphosa announced plans to establish professionally managed, ring-fenced utilities for water and electricity to ensure sustainable investment and maintenance.

Ramaphosa has assured South Africans that the country's water crisis will be resolved.

He acknowledged the severe impact of water shortages on communities.

He further stated that the Infrastructure Fund has secured R23-billion for seven major infrastructure projects aimed at addressing the issue.

Ramaphosa says the seventh administration is working on revitalising South Africa's port and rail networks.

The country has been working on improving its rail network to move cargo off its overburdened roads. 

Ramaphosa says improving these key sectors will help reduce waiting time for cargo from the country's ports.

The recent resurgence of rolling blackouts triggered fears that the country would have to contend with a worsening electricity crisis.

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the strides made against rolling blackouts have not been reversed, adding that the energy action plan is starting to pay off.

To tackle the country's high unemployment rate, Ramaphosa announced that the government will invest over R940-billion in infrastructure over the next three years, including R375-billion in spending by state-owned enterprises.

He called on business to use the SA Youth.mobi platform for hiring, where 4.5 million young people are registered.

Ramaphosa also reaffirmed his commitment to expanding access to early childhood development and skills training for all children.

The implementation of the BELA Act has made Grade R compulsory starting this year.

Emphasising the need for an integrated education system, he highlighted the importance of combining formal learning with practical job training.

Ramaphosa also urged private companies to provide young people with experiential learning opportunities while they are still studying.

South Africa will soon launch an electronic travel authorisation system aimed at improving the visa application process. 

The new system is part of government's efforts to expedite visa application turnaround times.

Ramaphosa says these reforms are intended to demonstrate to the world that South Africa is open for business.

Ramaphosa said government will soon start the preparatory work for the national health insurance's establishment.

While discussing safety and security, president announced the promulgation of the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Act, and said a national structure would be created to oversee a coordinated response to the crisis of femicide.

On measures to deal with corruption, the president said the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption has been established as a permanent entity within the NPA dedicated to investigating and prosecuting high-level corruption cases.

To secure South Africa's removal from the international Financial Action Task Force grey list, Ramaphosa said, the weaknesses identified in South Africa's law enforcement system are being dealt with. He said 16 out of 22 action items have been fully addressed.

 South Africa's foreign policy and diplomatic missions were highlighted as Ramaphosa said the country has acted in accordance with its obligations under the Genocide Convention by instituting proceedings against Israel at the International Court of Justice. 

"South Africa continues to advance its agenda of cooperation and multilateralism through its membership of the United Nations, African Union, the Non-Aligned Movement and BRICS group of countries," he said.

The president called on all South Africans to come together during the National Dialogue to define a vision for the country for the next 30 years. 

 

You May Also Like