SONA 2026: The Right Sounds but Execution Remains Real Test

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address acknowledged what many South Africans experience daily: that local government is failing on multiple levels, crime and organised crime have spiralled out of control, and corruption remains a cancer within the state. 

According to Thys van Zyl, CEO of Everest Advisory Services, it was positive that Ramaphosa did not attempt to downplay the severity of the situation — but the real test now lies in implementation. 

“The president struck the right notes. He acknowledged that water crises, the deterioration of municipalities, organised crime and corruption are no longer isolated issues, but core threats to growth and stability. That is an important starting point. But South Africans have heard many promises before — what they want now are tangible results,” says Van Zyl. 

The president’s announcement that a White Paper on local government is forthcoming, including intervention mechanisms for dysfunctional municipalities, recognises the scale of the problem. His reference to poor planning, inadequate maintenance and political interference in appointments was also notably candid. 

“The acknowledgement that local government is structurally broken has been long overdue. But policy documents alone will not make taps run or fix potholes. South Africans will measure progress by service delivery — not policy intentions,” says Van Zyl. 

The announcement of stronger intelligence coordination and further lifestyle audits signals a tougher approach against organised crime and corruption. The president even referred to the need for structural reform within the South African Police Service and the implementation of recommendations from commissions of inquiry. 

“These are strong words, and the plans sound comprehensive. But South Africa’s history shows that commissions and task teams often lose momentum once political attention shifts. The question is whether, within the next 12 months, we will see clear prosecutions, convictions and systemic change.” 

While the president referred to improved credit ratings, lower inflation and stronger market performance, the growth outlook remains modest. Even with four consecutive quarters of growth, the economy remains well below the 3% annual GDP threshold required to meaningfully reduce unemployment. 

“The president acknowledged that current growth is insufficient. That is important. But South Africa needs acceleration — particularly in fixed investment, energy, logistics and manufacturing. Without a noticeable increase in private sector investment, unemployment will simply remain too high.” 

Van Zyl believes this year’s State of the Nation Address was less ideological and more realistic than in the past — but that places the government under greater pressure. 

“When a president openly acknowledges that things are not working, it creates space for trust. But it also raises expectations that decisive action will follow. 2026 will not be measured by promises, but by implementation.” 

He warns that investors, businesses and households will now be looking for concrete outcomes. This includes visible improvements in municipal service delivery, accelerated logistics reform, measurable progress in the fight against organised crime, and clear investment flows into infrastructure. 

“The president acknowledged that South Africa is at a turning point. The next 12 months will determine whether it is a genuine turning point — or merely another pause in a long cycle of promises. 

“South Africans are not asking for miracles, but for momentum. This State of the Nation Address correctly diagnosed the problems. Now execution must show whether it ushers in a new phase of accountability — or remains another repetition of good intentions.”