President Ramaphosa delivers SONA 2026 amid economic strain and reform pressures in an election year

SOUTH AFRICA - Report 17 Feb 2026 by Iraj Abedian

President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the 2026 State of the Nation Address against a complex domestic and global backdrop, marked by subdued economic growth, infrastructure constraints, geopolitical tensions and rising pressure on the government to demonstrate tangible progress under the Government of National Unity (GNU). While the address highlighted areas of policy continuity, particularly structural reforms, infrastructure investment and state capacity, it also acknowledged the mounting socio-economic challenges facing households and businesses.

Noticeably, the President was mindful of the 2026 local government elections—which might well add to the ANC’s declining support if the political pundits’ predictions are to be believed. President Ramaphosa had developed a reputation for being “long on promises” and “short on delivery”. In this year’s SONA he was intent on correcting this perception. So, unlike in the past, he placed short term and immediate deadlines for his policy implementations with regard to the fight against organized crime, the solution for the country’s growing water crisis, and the follow-up on the ongoing Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System (The Madlanga Commission).

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