On Thursday 12 February 2026, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa used his 2026 State of the Nation Address to outline an ambitious programme aimed at accelerating economic growth, strengthening governance and addressing persistent social challenges.
Opening his speech with references to the 1956 Women’s March and the 1976 Soweto uprising, Ramaphosa linked South Africa’s democratic foundations to the need for renewed reform and national unity in a changing global environment.
He said the economy has returned to growth, citing four consecutive quarters of GDP expansion, easing inflation, improved credit ratings and stabilising public finances. Load shedding has ended, infrastructure investment is expanding and structural reforms under Operation Vulindlela are continuing. However, he acknowledged that growth remains too slow to resolve unemployment and poverty.
Crime and organised criminal networks were identified as the most immediate threat to democracy and economic development. Ramaphosa announced enhanced intelligence coordination, additional police recruitment, deployment of the South African National Defence Force in gang-affected areas and strengthened anti-corruption measures, including new whistleblower protections.
Water shortages were described as a national priority. The president confirmed the establishment of a National Water Crisis Committee to coordinate interventions and said municipalities failing to meet obligations would face stronger accountability measures.
Over the next three years, government plans to invest more than R1 trillion in infrastructure, focusing on energy, logistics, water and digital systems. Eskom’s restructuring and the creation of an independent transmission entity remain central to energy reform. Renewable energy is expected to exceed 40% of supply by 2030.
Ramaphosa also outlined support for small businesses, youth employment, skills reform and expanded higher education capacity. Social protection measures, including the Social Relief of Distress grant, will continue with adjustments to promote economic participation.
On foreign policy, he reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to sovereignty, multilateralism and African integration, while positioning the country as a competitive player in green industries and critical minerals.
Concluding his address, Ramaphosa said South Africa had reached a turning point and called for collective effort to build a stronger, more inclusive and more resilient nation.
Source: 2026 State of the Nation Address.
