As President Cyril Ramaphosa prepares to deliver his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) under the Government of National Unity (GNU) on Thursday, February 6, residents of Cape Town are eager to hear his plans for the country’s future. The address, taking place at Cape Town City Hall, comes at a time of division within the cabinet and ongoing national and international tensions.
On the streets of Cape Town, many residents voiced their expectations for the 2025 SONA. Job creation remains the top priority, with a particular focus on providing opportunities for young people who have been unemployed for years. Enrico Cupido, a young resident from the Cape Flats, expressed his frustration at the high unemployment rate, especially while witnessing foreigners being hired over locals.
Another issue on the minds of many is the legalisation of illegal mining. Mahadio Mohapi, a local business owner, believes that formalising mining operations would not only create jobs but also benefit communities that rely on local businesses, like food vendors, to support miners.
Residents also called for improvements in public transport, particularly in areas like Gugulethu. Lilithat Xaluva stressed the need for a transformed public transportation system, especially for students who rely on trains to get to school. As SONA approaches, South Africans are looking for clear plans from the president to address these urgent challenges.
