ANC Prepares For 2025 SONA Amid Public Criticism
- The African National Congress is ramping up preparations for the 2025 State of the Nation Address in the Western Cape.
- The party pledges to focus on critical priorities like ensuring a reliable water supply and addressing local government challenges.
- Many South Africans have expressed frustration, accusing the ANC of neglecting the needs of citizens for years.
Tebogo Mokwena, an experienced journalist with Briefly News, has been covering political developments in Johannesburg, South Africa, for over seven years. Her work includes policy changes, cabinet reshuffles, State of the Nation Addresses, parliamentary activities, and election-related news at outlets like Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News.
WESTERN CAPE — As the clock ticks closer to the government of national unity’s first State of the Nation Address (SONA), the African National Congress is putting its game face on. The party insists that this year’s event will zero in on solving key issues that matter most to South Africans.
ANC Sets the Stage for SONA
According to SABC News, the ANC anticipates that President Cyril Ramaphosa will prioritize fixing local government structures and securing the nation’s water supply during his speech. The Government of National Unity (GNU) will also tackle crime, corruption, and job creation in a bid to restore public trust and revitalize the country’s economy.
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President Cyril Ramaphosa reiterated these priorities earlier this year during his keynote speech at the ANC's January 8 celebrations in Khayelitsha, Western Cape. He acknowledged that the party faces an existential crisis after losing its parliamentary majority in the 2024 general elections. This setback has prompted the ANC to reassess its strategies and leadership structures.
In response to the electoral losses, the ANC recently decided to restructure its Provincial Executive Committees in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. An NEC lekgotla was convened to deliberate on the future direction of the party’s provincial branches, signaling a significant shift in its approach to governance.
South Africans Voice Their Discontent
Despite the ANC’s promises, many South Africans remain unimpressed. On social media platforms like Facebook, citizens have expressed their frustration with the party’s leadership and performance. The sentiment is clear: people are tired of what they perceive as incompetence and corruption.
Jabu Mahlangu voiced her concerns, saying:
“I can’t believe we still have the incompetent and corrupt ANC in our parliament in 2025. It’s time for real change.”
Kabelo Ramosetlha echoed similar sentiments:
“No one cares about SONA anymore. It’s just empty words without action.”
Mvelisi Cwele raised another pressing issue:
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“He must also clarify when we’re going to address the situation with our soldiers who were attacked by Rwandan-backed rebels. Accountability matters.”
Bettie Steyn summed up the mood with a blunt observation:
“Again. Same old lies. We need honesty and results, not more promises.”
Gauteng ANC Reflects on Electoral Decline
In a separate development, the Gauteng branch of the ANC has defended its efforts to retain its majority in the province. Despite falling short in the 2024 general elections, the party claims it did everything possible to secure more votes.
Party spokesperson Lesego Makhubele stated that the ANC worked tirelessly to address issues that could have swayed voter sentiment. With only 35% of the vote in Gauteng, the party now plans to reconfigure its provincial structure in hopes of regaining its former dominance.
As the ANC gears up for the 2025 SONA, the stakes are high. The party must prove to the public that it can deliver on its promises and address the pressing challenges facing the nation. Only time will tell if the ANC can rebuild trust and lead South Africa toward a brighter future.
