SABC News takes a look back at some of the promises made by President Cyril Ramaphosa during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) 2025 speech. The President’s annual speech is a key event in the South African political calendar, providing a roadmap for the country’s future and outlining the government’s plans for the year ahead. As we reflect on the past year, let us also look forward to the progress that has been made and the promises that have been fulfilled.
One of the major promises that President Ramaphosa made during his SONA 2025 speech was to prioritize job creation and economic growth. In a country where unemployment rates have been on the rise, this promise was met with great enthusiasm and hope. The President outlined his plans to create over two million jobs in the next five years through various initiatives such as the Youth Employment Service (YES) and the expansion of the public works program. We are pleased to report that these efforts have already yielded positive results, with over 500,000 new jobs created in the last year.
Another crucial aspect of the President’s speech was his commitment to tackling corruption. President Ramaphosa stressed the need for a clean and accountable government and promised to take decisive action against those involved in corrupt activities. In the past year, we have seen the establishment of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate and prosecute cases of corruption. We have also witnessed the removal of corrupt officials from their positions, sending a strong message that corruption will not be tolerated.
Education is another key area that received attention in the President’s speech. He spoke about the importance of quality education and the need to address the challenges facing the education system. This included the implementation of the new curriculum, the improvement of school infrastructure, and the provision of free education for students from poor and working-class backgrounds. The progress made in these areas has been commendable, with the matric pass rate increasing by 5.2% and the introduction of a new coding and robotics curriculum in schools.
The President also addressed the issue of gender-based violence and promised to implement measures to protect women and children in South Africa. This promise was followed by the launch of the GBV and Femicide National Strategic Plan, which aims to reduce the prevalence of gender-based violence and provide support to victims. We have also seen the establishment of the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, which will play a crucial role in coordinating efforts to end this pervasive issue.
Infrastructure development was another key focus of the President’s speech. He outlined plans to upgrade the country’s ports, roads, and rail networks, as well as investing in renewable energy projects. These efforts have resulted in the creation of thousands of job opportunities and have improved the country’s infrastructure, making it easier to do business and attract foreign investment.
The President also reiterated his commitment to improving healthcare in the country. This included the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI) and the revitalization of hospitals and clinics. The impact of COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of a robust healthcare system, and the government’s efforts in this regard have been crucial in managing the pandemic.
In conclusion, as we look back at the promises made by President Ramaphosa during his SONA 2025 speech, we are pleased to see that significant progress has been made in fulfilling these commitments. The government has shown determination and dedication in addressing the challenges facing the country and has taken concrete steps towards creating a better South Africa for all. As we continue to move forward, let us remain optimistic and work together to build a prosperous and inclusive nation.
