President Cyril Ramaphosa recently delivered the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) under the theme “A nation that works, for all.”
The address highlighted South Africa’s achievements over the past year, including a buoyant economy, growing optimism in financial markets, and a reduction in the unemployment rate to 32.1% in the third quarter of 2024.
Mr president also reflected on the progress made in implementing the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP) and outlined the government’s key policy objectives and deliverables for the year ahead. The address emphasised the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in promoting global solidarity, equality, and sustainability, particularly in the context of South Africa’s G20 presidency.
Some of the key areas discussed during the SONA 2025 include:
- Economic Growth: Mr president highlighted the country’s economic progress and outlined plans to sustain growth and create jobs.
- Unemployment: The president noted the reduction in unemployment rates and emphasised the need for continued efforts to address this challenge.
- Global Governance: He stressed the importance of South Africa’s participation in global forums like the G20 and the need for parliamentary diplomacy to promote African perspectives.
- Accountability: The address underscored the role of Parliament in holding the executive accountable for delivering on its commitments.
Social media users took to X (previously known as Twitter) to share their views about the SONA:
One user said that it would be better if he focused more on the things they had promised and what they delivered.
It would be better if President Cyril Ramaphosa, in every #SONA, focused on facts—clearly stating: “This is what we promised, this is what we achieved, and this is where we fell short.” We need accountability backed by concrete evidence, not just rhetoric. #SONA2025 pic.twitter.com/rfY2Jx5zRL
— above the average (@GeorgeBeatsSA) February 6, 2025
Good morning South Africans the only famous word in the #SONA2025 is “We Will Do This” 😫 instead of telling us what the government has done he is telling us what he’ll do 🤷 this shows that our country was on Autopilot with him sleeping inside the cockpit
— Mr.RightNow (@kg007man) February 7, 2025
Another user gave the president a thumbs up for making it clear that as South Africans we stand for equal rights for the LGBTQI+ community.
As South Africans, we stand for equal rights for the LGBTQI+ community. My president, Cyril Ramaphosa, made that clear, no mincing of words. #SONA2025 pic.twitter.com/Jzy47lzE8o
— Bacon-Eating Vegan 🏳️🌈 (@nathanudiza) February 6, 2025
