Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver Sona 2025 on Thursday evening (6/2), marking a pivotal moment for South Africa as it navigates global turbulence and domestic challenges. 

Tensions are running high in the GNU over divisive policies, including the promulgation of the contentious Basic Education Laws Amendment Act (Bela) and the Land Expropriation Bill. These issues have drawn sharp international criticism, including from US Pres. Donald Trump who is threatening to cut funding to South Africa.

The Sona is expected to highlight the contributions of all GNU partners. North-West University political analyst Prof. Kedibone Phago underscored the importance of paying attention to suggestions by ministers representing various political parties in the coalition.

“We need to listen carefully to their contributions, especially those presided over by ministers from other parties,” Phago stated. He noted recent ANC lekgotlas and cabinet meetings placed the spotlight on pressing issues, particularly the country’s water crisis. “It’s vital for the government to prioritise this matter.”

Phago said other pressing concerns such as stabilising local governance, improving the effectiveness of the NPA, bolstering police efforts, and addressing immigration through Home Affairs are critical. He believed economic recovery and measures to stimulate investment, alleviate poverty, and reduce unemployment would also be central to the Sona.

He said on the global stage, the Land Expropriation Act has strained relations with the United States, but “misinformation” has fuelled the US response, which could affect bilateral ties.

“It’s very bizarre that the USA has weighed in on South Africa’s internal policies, using misinformation to influence important decisions about future relations,” Phago remarked.

?? The Presiding Officers and Ministers of the Justice Crime Prevention Cluster (JCPS) conduct a walkabout at the Cape Town City Hall to monitor the state of readiness ahead of #SONA2025.#GovZAUpdates #ServiceDeliveryZA pic.twitter.com/K9h5EmvJHU

— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) February 5, 2025

He suggested that Trump’s administration might be leveraging the issue to pressure South Africa on broader geopolitical stances, such as its position on the Israel-Palestine conflict, now under review by the International Court of Justice, and its active role in Brics.

Phago advised Pres. Ramaphosa to avoid direct confrontation with Trump over land expropriation. “It’s crucial to focus on strengthening diplomatic relations through structured dialogue with the broader international community.”

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg