The president started by framing his State of the Nation Address 2026, and the significance of past historic events that have shaped our present. Those who have sacrificed against apartheid through protests, arrests, torture and death. Women, youth, workers and broader society that endured repression and oppression so we may enjoy our liberties, rights and freedoms today.
- Women’s march 1956 – 80 years ago
- Youth/Students protest 1976 – 50 years ago
- Adoption of our Constitution 1996 – 30 years ago
I thought the president rightfully so took credit for some of the positive developments in the last few months, which does indicate we are turning the corner when it comes to state capture, and a volatile domestic and global economy, especially after Covid-19.
A small budget surplus, stabilising our debt repayments, being removed from the greylist, the positive investment rating from S&P, a bumper tax revenue collection, a much improved electricity provision, plus general improvement of transport and logistics in rail. Getting goods from pit to port faster and in higher volumes. Four quarters of growth and inflation at its lowest level in 20 years.
Secondly, he rightfully took responsibility for the weak state of affairs at the local government level, and, in particular, the water crisis countrywide. It seems a clear programme of action and the necessary funding are being made available to address this crisis.
It was equally important for CR to reiterate our solidarity stance to various people under occupation, subjected to embargoes, denial of territorial independence and curbing of political rights, including the Palestinians; and to indicate that we will not be bullied with regards to our foreign policy choices.
It is a good sign when our government is allocating billions towards infrastructure build projects. Water infrastructure, but also fast rail (high-speed trains), AI and green technology. This is bound to bring “new money”, which is what we require to grow our economy and create new jobs.
The Sona might have sounded like more of the same but actually it was a clear indication of a country that has moved forward these last few years.
We have re-established the integrity and independence of state-owned entities like SARS, the NPA, Treasury, Eskom and SAA.
We have survived the negative effects of Covid and have re-employed one million people who lost their jobs as a consequence.
We have reconfirmed our commitment to fighting the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide. And crucially, declared war on crime, especially organised crime syndicates, construction and taxi mafias, and gangs in the Western Cape and Gauteng in particular.
Calling in the SANDF is not always easy, but in this case necessary.
A final feather in our cap, which CR also mentioned and should not be taken for granted, is the fact that we could find each other across the political divides, across our ideological divide and put our country first by entering a government of national unity.
Unlike many developed countries in the world that are so politically polarised that they cannot conceive of working together in the interests of their peoples, we did it, and it shows maturity, and yet again we are leading by example globally.
In a world where anarchy and chaos are the order of the day thanks to great powers like the US; where the international rules-based order is collapsing and the future of multilateralism is in jeopardy, for the South African government to be able to share such a hopeful and encouraging message speaks volumes of the leadership we have.
A good speech as far as I’m concerned. I’m optimistic. This rising tide must indeed lift all South Africans. We must rise together lest we fall together.
Thuma Mina!
- Dr Van Heerden is a senior research fellow at the Centre for African Diplomacy and Leadership at UJ
