Edition February 2025

Government Ministers have thrown their weight behind President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (SoNA), which focused on economic growth, job creation, infrastructure development and reducing household expenses.

“Our most urgent task is to grow our economy so that we can create jobs, reduce poverty, and improve the lives of all South Africans,” the President told Members of Parliament (MPs) and guests on 7 February 2025.

The President emphasised that the nation urgently requires a robust economy that benefits everyone.

To achieve this virtuous cycle of investment, growth and job creation, the President said economic growth must surpass 3%.

Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, has echoed the President’s sentiments, stating that South Africa needs to transform its economy. “We have got to be able to show more jobs. We need to bring in the private sector so that we can get more agricultural products to the world a lot quicker and expand.

“The citrus industry told me that they could quadruple the production over the medium- term if they have reliable ports and can get their products to the market.”

Steenhuisen believes that the Head of State and Government has demonstrated a clear focus. “Now, we can [move with] the urgency that is required and I wish I could see more of those deadlines around when we are going to achieve these things. “I think the President diagnosed the problem perfectly – it is about growth and jobs. That is why we are in the GNU [Government of National Unity].”

The Minister also expressed his satisfaction with the plans presented by the President.

He also welcomed the investment in infrastructure, the commitments made toward Early Childhood Development (ECD), and the transformation of Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grants into income protection for impoverished South Africans. The President announced that this grant will serve as the foundation for introducing a sustainable income support system for the unemployed.

He also stated that the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme will continue to prioritise students who wish to pursue a career in teaching, particularly in the foundation phase.

In addition, government will work to expand access to ECD services for all children.

Time for action

“We cannot be sitting within the 2029 election and going to the electorate with some of these
projects languishing in the drawing board. I think now we have to unpack; take all of these things
and move them with speed and urgency,” Steenhuisen added.

Deputy Minister for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, believes that the President has issued a clear call regarding the government’s mid-term development plan, focusing on actions and priorities.

“Part of the non-negotiable is job creation and economic growth in all sectors. No sector must be left behind - whether it’s infrastructure, construction, agriculture or finance.

“Our President has said our country is capable and we must make sure that the capability and the potential of young people that we often find neither in employment, education nor training must be brought to the table.”

Letsike believes that the President is prioritising women, youth and persons with disabilities.
She welcomed the Transformation Fund, which is worth R20 billion a year over the next five years, to support black-owned and small business enterprises.

“It is already telling us its action plan. This public purse must reach the relevant people.” Letsike also welcomed President Ramaphosa’s commitment to reform the energy and water sectors, which are essential for service delivery to the people. “When he wrapped it up, he said our nation is capable and we cannot leave anyone behind.” Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, expressed his satisfaction that the President addressed the importance of building the economy to create jobs. “That has been a very big problem for about two decades in our country and he tried his best to tackle it,” he said.

Improving public health

Motsoaledi also welcomed the three significant announcements related to his department, which include advancing the National Health Insurance (NHI), enhancing public health infrastructure, and working towards the elimination of HIV and AIDS.

“I have been telling people that improving public health infrastructure and implementing the NHI are not mutually exclusive and do not have to follow one another, and that we can do it simultaneously .

“The President just announced a huge hospital bill programme and so, we are forging ahead with NHI and we are going to put this massive infrastructure.”

According to the Minister, the infrastructure will complement improvements in public health facilities.
“South Africans must not accept or get used to the idea that we are going to live with HIV/ Aids forever and it is part of life. It is not. At some stage, we need to bring it to an end and we are targeting 2030.”

While he acknowledged that the country may not be able to completely eradicate the disease, he stressed that government is working tirelessly to eliminate it as a public threat.

To achieve this goal, approximately 1.1 million more people need to be on antiretroviral therapy between now and November 2025.

“People have been asking me where are you going to get money (sic). But I tell them, when
you want to save people, do not ask about money. Look at the human beings you want to save first and money will follow when you have that determination.”

Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, has echoed the President’s sentiments of providing universal healthcare for all South Africans. “We must do the basic things that need to be done. We must put the health infrastructure in place, so that there are hospitals and clinics that our people can access,” Ntshavheni said.

Adopting digital technology

Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber, stated that the President’s adoption of digital technology in his department has been crucial. He told SAnews that this aligns with the vision of Home Affairs and how the department wishes to turn it into a digitally first department – the first component of this initiative will be delivered this year.

Schreiber also highlighted the part of the address where the Head of State discussed tourism and attracting skills for investment.

“One of the big issues is getting visas. That is why the electronic travel authorisation concept and the automated visa process are important. No more papers, no more space for human intervention and it is going to deal with corruption and it is going to deliver with efficiency.