Opposition parties in South Africa are pressing President Cyril Ramaphosa to prioritise measurable results when he delivers the 2026 State of the Nation Address (Sona).
Their call comes as the country continues to face slow economic growth and stubbornly high unemployment, despite reforms announced last year.
In his 2025 Sona, Ramaphosa pledged to lift growth above 3 percent, stabilise electricity supply, and mobilise R940 billion in infrastructure investment over three years.
He also committed to accelerating logistics reforms under Operation Vulindlela and expanding employment programmes.
A year later, electricity reliability has improved and South Africa has exited the Financial Action Task Force grey list.
However, economic growth remains between 1 and 1.4 percent, while unemployment stands above 31 percent, with young people the hardest hit.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) say the government must first account for past promises before introducing new reforms.
The party advocates a stronger state-led economy, including reviving manufacturing industries and enforcing compulsory localisation.
ActionSA has questioned the government’s delivery capacity, citing red tape, corruption, and inefficiency as major obstacles to growth.
Build One South Africa (Bosa) says restoring the rule of law and holding underperforming ministers accountable are critical to rebuilding investor confidence.
The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) wants faster reforms to unlock private investment, noting that companies are holding over R1.8 trillion in cash reserves due to uncertainty.
Opposition warns Sona 2026 will be measured not by pledges, but by visible progress in the economy, employment, and governance.
