Ramaphosa’s SONA 2025 Met with Skepticism as Public Questions Promises

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s first State of the Nation Address (SONA) since the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU) was met with mixed reactions, with many South Africans expressing doubt over his promises. While the President outlined key priorities—including economic growth, poverty reduction, and tackling corruption—social media reactions reflected a growing sense of disillusionment.

Ramaphosa’s Key Commitments

During his speech, Ramaphosa identified several areas of focus:

• Economic Growth & Employment: He promised to unlock R100 billion in infrastructure financing and create employment opportunities.
• Housing Development: The government plans to provide 300,000 serviced stands for affordable housing.
• Fighting Corruption: He highlighted the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption as a permanent entity within the NPA to prosecute high-level corruption.
• Energy & Sustainability: He reiterated the government’s commitment to renewable energy, despite ongoing concerns about electricity costs.

Public Reactions: More Talk, Less Action?

Despite these commitments, many South Africans took to social media, arguing that Ramaphosa’s address lacked tangible solutions. The sentiment was largely skeptical, with many feeling that his promises echoed previous years’ unfulfilled commitments.

One user, @sile_siba, expressed impatience, tweeting: “Can he finish already #SONA2025.” Another, @LeboneMphahlele, described the speech as a “PowerPoint presentation” with “90% wishes and dreams, but little execution.”

Can he finish already #SONA2025

— Sile (@sile_siba) February 6, 2025

Others criticized the government’s stance on economic policies. @Kgomoyamaphoto questioned South Africa’s reliance on renewable energy, while @The_SupremeJedi argued that new expropriation laws could deter investment.

I’ve lost so much hope in our government that this is my reaction to everything Cupcake says #SONA2025 pic.twitter.com/ofPZefXxbf

— Zikhona (@__Zikhona) February 6, 2025

User @BigFlex30 sarcastically summarized the address, saying: “We will… We will… We will… Welele #SONA2025.”

The skepticism was further reflected in a tweet by @siphosihlembuli, who wrote: “The State of the Nation Address is hard to watch because, after today, it means nothing. We have an executive that won’t execute.”

Growing Disillusionment Ahead of Elections

With national elections approaching, Ramaphosa’s SONA was a crucial opportunity to reassure citizens and investors. However, public frustration over governance failures, corruption, and economic stagnation remains high. The government now faces mounting pressure to translate promises into action before the 2025 elections.

Whether these commitments lead to real change or remain empty rhetoric will be tested in the months ahead.

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