President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered his 2025 State of the Nation Address in Cape Town's City Hall on Thursday night.
MK Party calls out Ramaphosa’s 'disastrous' address
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) through its spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela has described President Cyril Ramaphosa’s first State of the Nation Address under the Government of National Unity (GNU) as a “disaster”.
This is while, in the same breath, party leader in Parliament, Dr John Hlophe described it as “boring”.
Read the full story here.
More empty promises' – South Africans on social media react to President Cyril Ramaphosa's SONA 2025
While President Cyril Ramaphosa made a number of promises during his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) after the establishment of the Government of National Unity (GNU), many on social media felt that he was again delivering hollow promises.
During his Address, Ramaphosa highlighted three key areas of focus that the government intends to prioritise: inclusive economic growth, reduction of poverty and building a capable state.
Read the full story here.
"I'm tired," IOL Editor Lance Witten
IOL editor Lance Witten says he is tired of President Cyril Ramaphosa and his empty promises.
"I AM TIRED!"
More empty promises from Ramaphosa.
How many times will we hear about promises like GBV courts, commissions and more promises about prosecuting the State Capture accused?
Mr President, don't bother next year!
@iolnews #SONA2025 reaction from IOL editor @LanceTheWitten: "I AM TIRED!" - More empty promises from President Cyril Ramaphosa. - How many times will we hear about promises like GBV courts, commissions and more promises about prosecuting the State Capture accused? - Mr President, don't bother next year! 🌐: IOL.co.za/tags/sona-2025
♬ original sound IOL NEWS
IOL deputy editor Lee Rondganger asks where was the accountability in President Cyril Ramaphosa's speech
SONA 2025 reaction from IOL deputy editor Lee Rondganger questions who the South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa is building is working for.
We are told about a government of national unity, but what about unity between the people and the government?
Where was the accountability in the speech?
Is this a government that delivers, or one that manages decline?
#SONA2025 reaction from IOL deputy editor@lee_rondganger questions who the South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa is building is working for.
— IOL News (@IOL) February 6, 2025
- We are told about a government of national unity, but what about unity between the people and the government?
- Where was the… pic.twitter.com/SBXCwAtdLc
SONA 2025: South Africa must stand its ground against international pressure - analyst
Amid rising tensions as the US continues to target South Africa, seemingly as a punishment for the country's support of Gaza, University of South Africa Political Analyst Professor Tumi Senokoane stated that it is time for South Africa to 'stand' its ground.
Read the full story here.
Watch IOL's post-SONA 2025 reactions live
President Cyril Ramaphosa has delivered his State of the Nation Address for 2025, the IOL team will bring you all the reactions from the political parties, analysts and other stakeholders from the grounds of the Cape Town City Hall.
Political parties react to SONA 2025 - "more of the same"
"It has been more of the same," said BOSA leader Mmusi Maimane.
"It's been more of the same instead of reflecting on what was not achieved last year," Maimane said.
"If everything is a priority then nothing is," Maimane said.
Meanwhile, National Coloured Congress leader Fadiel Adams said the address was a replay of last year's speech. He said it left them Frustrated and with more questions than answers.
"He sold nice packaging but we know what's inside the box is rotten."
Ramaphosa's affordable housing plans unveiled in SONA 2025
President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that the government is committed to building more houses for South Africans in the coming years.
"Going forward, we are going to build more housing in our city centres and closer to work and business opportunities," he said.
Read the full story here.
SONA: Ramaphosa’s 10 key economic goals for SA
In his State of the Nation address on Thursday, President Cyril Ramaphosa outlined 10 key economic goals for South Africa.
Read the full list here.
Halted US HIV/AIDS funding worries Ramaphosa but he forges ahead with NHI implementation
President Cyril Ramaphosa says they were concerned and looking for various interventions to address the potential impact of the decision by the United States government to suspend some of its funding for HIV and TB programmes.
Read the full story here.
Ramaphosa says South Africa nearing turning point in ending load shedding for good
Eskom’s electricity provision was at a turning point and Minister of Electricity and Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa would put forward proposals to bring the matter of load shedding to an end once and for all, President Cyril Ramaphosa said Thursday night.
In his State of the Nation address Thursday, Ramaphosa said South Africa had experienced more than 300 days free of load shedding.
Read the full story here.
Read Cyril Ramaphosa’s full SONA here
Below is President Cyril Ramaphosa’s full State of the Nation Address he delivered on Thursday evening.
Solidarity with the people of Palestine
"South Africa continues to stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine, who, having endured decades of illegal occupation, are now experiencing indescribable suffering," said Ramaphosa.
Crime, corruption and gun violence
"We want a nation in which everyone is safe," Ramaphosa said speaking about crime.
He said the SA Police service have dismantle organised crime syndicates and partnered with metro police and communities to fight crime in the priority provinces.
"We must continue to tackle the surge of gun violence that has continued to plague our society for decades."
He said he asked the police minister to prioritse curbing gun violence.
Speaking on corruption and state capture, he said: "We are making steady progress in implementing the recommendations of the state capture enquiry."
Ramaphosa spells out plans for police recruitment and crime prevention
President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed police teams across the country for their sterling efforts in fighting crime.
Ramaphosa said 4,000 more personnel will be recruited to work in the police detective services, and the integration of artificial intelligence will help with fraud detection at the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
Read the full story here.
SONA praise singer refers to Ramphosa as ‘Cupcake’ - met with laughter and applause
A 19-year-old imbongi, Inako Mateza, took centre stage, embracing a role deeply rooted in tradition.
The Xhosa-speaking poet was honoured with one of the important elements of the SONA, which has become a tradition since the birth of democracy.
Read the full story here.
@weekendargus Praise singer refers to President Cyril #Ramaphosa as "Cupcake" - is met with laughter at #Sona. 📹 Armand Hough #southafricatiktok ♬ original sound - WeekendArgus
WATCH SONA 2025 :
Health, funding and the NHI
President Cyril Ramaphosa said government is concerned about the potential impact of the decision by the United States government to suspend some of its funding for HIV and TB programmes in African countries for 90 days.
"This funding accounts for about 17 percent of our country's HIV spend. We have been able to provide funding from our fiscus for our HIV and TB programmes over the years.
"We are looking at various interventions to address the immediate needs and ensure the continuity of essential services," he said
Job creation and poverty eradication
Ramaphosa said that there has been an increase in job creation, but more needed to be done to eradicate poverty.
"To support this growth we are investing in skills development for the industries of the future," he said.
He said that an expansion was needed to support small and medium enterprises, which takes care of many households in the country.
Ramaphosa said that in order to create jobs government has to build an innovative economy, ventured capital for tech start-ups that emerge from tertiary institutions.
"We want a nation where no one goes hungry," Ramaphosa said.
"We have much to do and much more work needs to be done to end poverty in our country."
Our energy is constrained but we managed to suspend load shedding - Ramaphosa
Ramaphosa says their energy action strategy managed to reduce load shedding.
Despite load shedding reminder over the weekend, Ramaphosa says the trajectory is good even though the energy supply is constrained.
Ramaphosa says state-owned entities including Eskom must function for economic and social purposes.
Infrastructure development and investment
Ramaphosa said government will spend more than R940 billion to development infrastructure in the coming five years.
Read the full story here.
"We will not be bullied" - Ramaphosa
Ramaphosa said South Africa stood for peace, justice, non-racialism, equality and shared humanity.
"We will not be bullied," he said, adding that "we" were not daunted to navigate through a constantly changing world.
Read the full story here.
Ramaphosa honours the 14 peacekeeping soldiers who died in the DRC
President Cyril Ramaphosa began the 2025 State Of the Nation Address by paying homage to the 14 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
He further declared a week of mourning, starting on Friday.
"We salute them," Ramaphosa said.
"The national flag will be flown at half-mast to honour these fallen heroes for a week, starting tomorrow."
Read the full story here.
Former presidents attend SONA 2025
Ramaphosa started his address by welcoming former presidents, deputy presidents and other dignitaries.
Watch IOL's live stream from the SONA 2025 Red Carpet
More from the red carpet
MK Party expects more lies in SONA 2025
MK Party chief whip Mzwanele Manyi says they are expecting MORE LIES from President Cyril Ramaphosa and they say Ramaphosa has blood on his hands for the 14 lives of SANDF soldiers, who were killed in combat in Goma, eastern DRC.
The MKP chief whip says the Ramaphosa government has failed.
"The whole thing is a mess!"
Video: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Media
Minister Lindiwe Ntshalintshali dazzled at the 2025 SONA
Lindiwe Ntshalintshali, the Deputy Minister of Correctional Services, dazzled at the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA).
She rocked a figure-hugging baby blue boobtube gown with gold embroidery and shoulder detailing.
Ntshalintshali paired the look with a simple diamanté necklace.
She also kept her make-up minimal but added a red lip to complete her look and to add a vibrant touch.
Minister Nonceba Mhlauli's look is giving confidence and grace
Nonceba Mhlauli, the Deputy Minister in the Presidency of South Africa and a National Executive and Working Committee Member of the ANC, certainly brought her A-game to the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA).
She stepped onto the red carpet in a stunning black and gold evening dress, bedazzled to perfection, striking the perfect balance between chic and sexy.
The gown was a showstopper, with every shimmer and sparkle making sure she stood out in the crowd.
Matched with a sleek yet simple black handbag, Mhlauli let the dress do all the talking, making a bold statement without overcomplicating her look. Her natural beauty was on full display, with her flawless skin and sharply defined facial features.
She complimented this with a slicked-back hairstyle, embracing her natural hair while keeping things elegant and polished.
Mhlauli's look is giving confidence and grace. Picture: X/@NoncebaMhlauli
GNU partner on G20 and America
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen says it would be disappointing for the US not to attend the G20 summit held in South Africa.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has made a significant announcement, revealing that he will not attend the upcoming G20 summit in South Africa. He cited concerns over "anti-American sentiment" as the primary reason for his decision.
SONA fashion wins
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Transport at the City of Johannesburg Kenny Kunene has arrived at the Cape Town City Hall for the 2025 State of the Nation Address.
Kunene, known for his love of luxury brands did not disappoint when it came to his SONA outfit, wearing Versace Medusa loafers that retail for R21,700.
MK Party MP and musician Gezani Eric Kobane, also known as Papa Penny made sure to make a statement, rocking bold gold shoes. At least they matched his outfit.
Attendees have to put thought into their SONA outfits, even the shoes, it's the little details that matter. Like cracked heels exposed by sandals and comfort is important, which is possible why attendees are rocking kitten heels.
No one wants to see an MP walking barefoot thanks to uncomfortable shoes. Bold choices are also being made with lots of colour from red Puma sneakers to yellow pointy shoes, people are stepping on the red carpet.
SANDF and the 21-gun salute
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will take part in the traditional 21-gun salute and military flyover during Thursday's State of the Nation Address (SONA) despite the Democratic Alliance's call.
In light of the recent unfortunate deaths of 14 South African peacekeeping soldiers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the DA requested earlier this week that the military presence at the event be reduced.
The DA stressed that the full military demonstration would not be necessary given the current situation in the DRC.
Guests and dignitaries walk down the red carpet at City Hall while President Cyril Ramaphosa receives final inputs for the 2025 SONA from the government of national unity (GNU) partners.
Bahle abantwana bagezile. This is some of the fashion our IOL cameras have spotted at the Sona red carpet so far.
Video: Ian Landsberg, Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Media
MK Party's Papa Penny says he expects Ramaphosa to address job creation
MK Party MP and musician Gezani Eric Kobane, also known as Papa Penny says he expects to hear nothing new from President Cyril Ramaphosa.
What he would love to hear him speak about opening more factories in the villages, to create jobs. The vocal musician, however, says he will not be holding his breath.
@iolnews MK Party MP Papa Penny Penny Kobane says he expects to hear nothing new from President Cyril Ramaphosa. What he would love to hear him speak about opening more factories in the villages, to create jobs. The vocal musician, however, says he will not be holding his breath. Video: Ian Landsberg/Independent Media https://www.iol.co.za/tags/sona-2025
Video: Ian Landsberg / Independent Media
Al Jamaah Party expect SONA 2025 to address unemployment and crime
Advocate Shameemah Salie, a Member of Parliament from the the Al Jamaah Party, says she expects President Cyril Ramaphosa to address the bread and butter issues including unemployment, crime and ensuring that almost 2,000 unemployed doctors find work to help the country.
The MP has called for the president to be transparent, to provide clear timelines and to ensure that deadlines be met.
Video: Ian Landsberg/Independent Media
Traffic disruptions in Cape Town's city centre
Major traffic disruptions are set to hit Cape Town's city centre as Parliament implements extensive security measures.
Parliament announced a series of road closures and parking restrictions in and around the Cape Town City Hall as it prepares for the SONA scheduled for Thursday, February 6 at 7pm.
These closures are necessitated by the significant security and logistical measures associated with hosting the annual address, which is a cornerstone of South Africa's political calendar.
A pedestrian gate will be established at the corner of Longmarket and Corporation Streets to facilitate controlled entry.
Read more on the full road closures, here.
Excitement builds as Parliament readies for the 2025 SONA
Meanwhile, it remains unclear if former president Jacob Zuma will attend the SONA 2025 after conflicting remarks from high profile Umkhonto Wesizwe Party Members of Parliament (MPs) on Thursday.
After years of snubbing invites to the SONA, it remains unclear if Zuma will attend the alongside over 50 MK Party MPs this evening.
Read the full story here.
Excitement builds as Parliament readies for the 2025 SONA
Speaker of the National Assembly Thoko Didiza said the SONA was a crucial event on the national calendar that required months of meticulous planning.
The 2025 Sona will be hosted under the theme of ‘Harnessing Parliamentary Diplomacy for Realisation of Global Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability’.
IOL