South African political parties have shared their reactions to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA). The responses range from cautious optimism to outright criticism, reflecting the deep divisions within the Government of National Unity (GNU). Here’s a breakdown of what the major parties had to say:
DA: CALLS FOR URGENT ACTION ON JOBS AND GROWTH
The Democratic Alliance (DA) expressed some optimism about the collaborative approach in this year’s SONA but emphasised the need for urgent action.
Posting a video on the party’s X account, DA leader John Steenhuisen highlighted that while some DA policies were reflected in the speech, South Africans are tired of promises and want to see real results on the ground.
Steenhuisen stressed the importance of creating jobs and growing the economy, calling for bold and decisive action. He pointed out that the government must focus on infrastructure development to stimulate economic activity and create inclusive opportunities for all South Africans.
EFF REJECTS SONA AS DIRECTIONLESS AND INEPT
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) delivered a scathing critique of Ramaphosa’s SONA, calling it “directionless, inept, and incoherent.” In an official statement on its X account, the party accused the GNU, a coalition between various parties, of failing to address the country’s economic crisis and worsening poverty.
The EFF highlighted the rising unemployment rate, particularly among black women and youth, and criticised the government’s reliance on private businesses instead of implementing state-led industrial policies. They also condemned the ongoing privatisation of state-owned entities like Eskom, warning that it would lead to further exploitation of the people.
The EFF demanded an end to privatisation, stronger state-owned enterprises, and a clear plan for economic transformation that prioritises black empowerment and job creation. They called on South Africans to reject the GNU, which they described as corrupt and visionless.
MK PARTY: SONA WAS BORING AND UNINSPIRING
Speaking to journalists from eNCA, the MK Party, represented by Dr John Hlophe, dismissed Ramaphosa’s SONA as “boring and uninspiring.” Hlophe expressed disappointment that the president failed to address key issues like poverty, inequality, and housing, which were supposed to be his priorities.
Hlophe pointed out that poverty in South Africa is worse than ever, with many people homeless and hungry. He criticised Ramaphosa for not tackling racism or addressing the land issue, which he believes is crucial for reducing poverty and inequality.
The MK Party leader also disputed Ramaphosa’s claims about land redistribution, stating that only a small percentage of land has been returned to black South Africans.
FF PLUS: SONA SHOWS ANC STILL COMES BEFORE SOUTH AFRICA
Dr Corné Mulder, FF Plus MP and parliamentary leader, criticised Ramaphosa for putting the ANC’s interests above those of South Africa. In an official statement sent to journalists, Mulder argued that the president’s speech failed to offer hope for the future and instead raised questions about his commitment to treating GNU partners as equals.
Mulder highlighted Ramaphosa’s focus on international issues, such as South Africa’s stance on Palestine and Israel, while neglecting urgent domestic problems like unemployment, infrastructure decay, and economic stagnation. He also criticised the president for pushing through controversial policies like the National Health Insurance (NHI) and the Expropriation Act without proper consultation.
The FF Plus leader expressed skepticism about Ramaphosa’s promises of economic recovery and infrastructure improvements, calling them “empty promises” that have failed to materialise in the past.
Mulder concluded that the SONA offered little hope for South Africans and reinforced the perception that the ANC prioritises its own agenda over the needs of the country.
The reactions to SONA 2025 reveal a deeply divided political landscape. While the DA sees some potential for collaboration, the EFF and MK Party are highly critical of Ramaphosa’s leadership and the GNU’s ability to address South Africa’s pressing challenges.
WHICH POLITICAL PARTY DO YOU AGREE WITH THE MOST?
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