SABC News takes a look back at some of the promises made by President Cyril Ramaphosa during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) in 2025. The speech, which was delivered to a packed parliament, outlined the government’s plans and priorities for the year ahead. As we reflect on the past year, it is important to see how far we have come and what still needs to be done to achieve our goals as a nation.
One of the key promises made by President Ramaphosa was to prioritize job creation and economic growth. He acknowledged the challenges faced by the country, including high unemployment rates and a struggling economy. However, he also highlighted the progress that has been made in creating new jobs and attracting foreign investment. The President reaffirmed his commitment to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive and to provide opportunities for young people to enter the job market.
True to his word, the government has implemented various initiatives to stimulate economic growth and create jobs. The Youth Employment Service (YES) program, which was launched in 2024, has already provided over 500,000 young people with job opportunities. The government has also invested in infrastructure development, which has not only created jobs but also improved the country’s overall infrastructure. These efforts have resulted in a decrease in the unemployment rate and a boost in economic growth.
Another important promise made by President Ramaphosa was to prioritize education and skills development. He recognized the need to equip young people with the necessary skills to participate in the economy and to build a better future for themselves. The government has since increased funding for education and implemented various programs to improve the quality of education in the country. This includes the introduction of coding and robotics in schools, as well as the expansion of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to provide more students with access to tertiary education.
In addition, the President also promised to address the issue of corruption and to restore the public’s trust in government institutions. This has been a major focus for the government, with the establishment of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate and prosecute cases of corruption. The government has also implemented stricter measures to prevent corruption, such as the mandatory declaration of assets by public officials. These efforts have shown a commitment to transparency and accountability, which is crucial for the country’s development.
President Ramaphosa also emphasized the importance of social cohesion and nation-building. He called on all South Africans to work together towards a common goal of building a better country for all. The government has since launched various initiatives to promote social cohesion, including the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission, which aims to address the country’s past injustices and promote healing and reconciliation.
As we look back at these promises, it is evident that the government has made significant progress in fulfilling them. However, there is still much work to be done. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented new challenges, and the government has had to adapt and respond to the crisis. Despite this, the government has remained committed to its promises and has shown resilience in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, President Ramaphosa’s SONA speech in 2025 was a call to action for all South Africans to work together towards a brighter future. As we reflect on the past year, we can see that the government has made significant strides in fulfilling its promises. The country is on a path towards economic recovery and social cohesion, and with continued determination and hard work, we can achieve our goals and build a better South Africa for all. Let us continue to support our government and each other as we move towards a brighter future.
