President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to deliver his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) under the Government of National Unity (GNU) on Wednesday, 6 January 2025, in Cape Town. While the speech is highly anticipated, many South Africans remain skeptical, questioning whether the promises made in previous addresses will finally come to fruition. In SONA 2022, Ramaphosa vowed to unbundle Eskom to allow more players in the energy sector, aiming to reduce electricity prices and alleviate the ongoing load shedding crisis. However, energy stability remains elusive, and the country continues to grapple with power outages.
Economic recovery was another major focus of the 2022 speech, with the government pledging to finalize a social compact to boost growth, create jobs, and address hunger. Yet, unemployment remains a significant challenge. The latest report from Stats SA (November 2024) highlighted a staggering youth unemployment rate of 45.5%, well above the national average of 32.9%. As joblessness rises, many South Africans have turned to small businesses and informal trading, such as spaza shops in townships and the second-hand sneaker market on Kerk Street, to survive.
Despite these efforts, job seekers are still seen gathering at street corners or outside hardware stores in hopes of finding work. The government’s promises of progress seem increasingly out of reach, with many wondering if real change will ever occur. Another promise left unfulfilled is the long-delayed digital migration, the switch from analogue to digital broadcasting that was intended to modernize the sector but remains stalled.
As the new SONA approaches, many are left wondering whether it will offer fresh commitments or simply repeat past promises. With the current economic and energy challenges, South Africans are eager to see if the government’s actions will finally match their words.
