Facing the music: Ramaphosa’s challenge in delivering on promises

SONA 2026 looms as a defining test of credibility, delivery and public trust. South Africans are weary of promises and want a tangible delivery as President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), approaches on Thursday. South Africans are weary of promises and want a tangible delivery as President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), approaches on Thursday The address comes at a moment of deep voter cynicism ahead of local government elections, amid persistent service-delivery failures, corruption concerns and mounting pressure for economic reforms that translate growth into lived improvements.

Political analyst Amanda Gouws said the President is expected to emphasise unity within the Government of National Unity (GNU), formed after the 2024 national election, and attempt to persuade voters that coalition governance can work, particularly at local level. “I think he may talk about unity in the GNU and attempt to convince voters that all the parties are working together for a prosperous South Africa,” Gouws said. “This is to make a case that coalitions on a local level can work.

“Most constituencies, whether men, women or jobless people are tired of empty promises and very cynical about politics. Most distrust government, so President Ramaphosa will have to pull a rabbit out of a hat for this not to be viewed as business as usual,” she said. With municipal elections approaching, Gouws said Ramaphosa would also face pressure to address service-delivery failures at local government level, including water shortages, electricity disruptions and deteriorating road infrastructure.