Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read
06 February 2025 | 08:07 CAT

As President Cyril Ramaphosa prepares to address the nation in his pivotal State of the Nation Address (SONA) today, he faces mounting pressure to provide clarity and decisive action on five major crises that threaten South Africa’s stability. (Image – IOL)

As South Africa anticipates the first State of the Nation Address (SONA) for the seventh government, President Cyril Ramaphosa faces a critical balancing act amid domestic and international pressures. With the Government of National Unity (GNU) at the forefront, key issues such as economic growth, social stability, and foreign relations will shape the address.

Political analyst Professor André Duvenhage believes this SONA marks “a new chapter in the more comprehensive book on South African politics,” as Ramaphosa must manage tensions within his own alliance and opposition parties like the MK Party and EFF. “The GNU itself is central to this address,” Duvenhage told Radio Islam International.

Among the pressing matters are the economic downturn and rising unemployment. South Africa currently faces a 12.2 million unemployment figure while struggling with slow economic growth. “To address this, we need a completely new paradigm,” says Duvenhage. However, he remains skeptical about whether significant shifts can occur within the ANC and its allies, including COSATU and the SACP.

The state of public finances remains another urgent concern, with the national debt rising from 24% of GDP in 2008 to 75% today. “That is not sustainable,” warns Duvenhage, highlighting that a shrinking tax base and increased social grant dependency pose additional fiscal pressures.

Within the GNU, internal negotiations have seen compromises on policies such as the National Health Insurance (NHI). “We’ve seen backroom agreements, but challenges remain,” Duvenhage explains, pointing to controversial legislation like the Expropriation Bill and BELA Bill. He expects Ramaphosa to acknowledge these but “not delve into the details where the real controversy lies.”

On the international front, tensions with Rwanda over South African military involvement in the DRC remain unresolved. The loss of 14 South African soldiers has heightened scrutiny. “South Africa lacks the military capacity for extended involvement in volatile regions,” Duvenhage notes, warning against prolonged engagement.

Ramaphosa is also expected to touch on BRICS relations, the African Continental Free Trade Area, and the International Court of Justice case against Israel. However, these mentions will likely be “diplomatic rather than deeply detailed,” according to analysts.

The president will deliver his address later today. South Africans await clear commitments on economic revival, governance stability, and South Africa’s global role in an increasingly polarized world.

Listen to the full interview on Your World Today with Annisa Essack and Political analyst Professor André Duvenhage here.