At the State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered on 12 February 2026 at Cape Town City Hall, President Cyril Ramaphosa set out an ambitious programme for economic growth, job creation, infrastructure investment and reform.
Infrastructure push:
- R1 trillion committed to public infrastructure over the next three years — the largest allocation of its kind in South Africa’s history.
- R156 billion dedicated specifically to water and sanitation infrastructure over three years.
- R54 billion incentive introduced to help metros reform water, sanitation and electricity services.
- First national infrastructure bond launched.
Economic recovery by the numbers:
- 4 consecutive quarters of GDP growth.
- 2 consecutive primary budget surpluses.
- Inflation at its lowest level in 20 years.
- South Africa removed from the Financial Action Task Force grey list.
- Rand strengthened against the dollar.
Government has now set a target of raising R2 trillion in new investment over five years, building on the R1.5 trillion pledged at previous Investment Conferences — of which R600 billion has already flowed into projects.
Energy reform and renewables:
- By 2030, more than 40% of electricity supply is expected to come from renewable sources.
- First round of independent transmission projects to begin this year.
- Eskom restructuring underway, including a fully independent transmission entity.
Water crisis response:
- 56 municipalities criminally charged for failing to meet water obligations.
- Government to lay charges against municipal managers personally.
- National Water Crisis Committee established, chaired by the President.
- Major projects advancing include the Lesotho Highlands Water Project and the Ntabelanga Dam.
Crime and law enforcement:
- 5 500 new police officers to be recruited this year.
- Builds on 20 000 officers announced in previous SONA addresses.
- 10 000 additional labour inspectors to be hired to strengthen immigration and labour enforcement.
- Lifestyle audits reached 93% compliance among senior public servants last year.
Jobs and small business support:
- 2.5 million opportunities created through the Presidential Employment Stimulus.
- If every SME hired one additional worker, 3 million jobs could be created.
- R2.5 billion in funding this year for 180 000 small and medium enterprises.
- Additional R1 billion in guarantees to support small businesses.
- Youth Employment Service has placed over 200 000 young people in work experience opportunities.
Agriculture and mining:
- R7.8 billion provided to black farmers through blended finance.
- 10 000 new extension officers to support farmers.
- 14 million cattle to be vaccinated against foot-and-mouth disease.
- 28 million vaccine doses required over 12 months.
- South Africa’s ore reserves valued at R40 trillion.
- R300 million announced for the Frontier Rare Earths Project.
Education and skills:
- The 88% matric pass rate for the Class of 2025 was the highest in history.
- Employment equity target for persons with disabilities increased to 7% by 2030.
- Skills development levy return to employers restored to 40%.
Health and social support:
- Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant to continue and be redesigned.
- Massive rollout of Lenacapavir, a 6-monthly HIV prevention injection.
- Campaign to eliminate child stunting by 2030.
Housing and restitution:
- R500 million allocated to Phase 4 of District Six restitution housing.
- Shift toward subsidy models supporting ownership and rental in well-located areas.
Tourism and trade:
- 10.5 million international tourist arrivals last year — a record high.
- Every 13 international tourists support one job.
- 55 data centres already built, with R50 billion in expected digital infrastructure investment over three years.
Africa and global positioning:
- African Continental Free Trade Area market: 1.4 billion people.
- Working-age population projected to double in 25 years.
- International Just Energy Transition pledges now stand at R250 billion.
The President framed the address against key anniversaries:
- 70 years since the 1956 Women’s March.
- 100 000 petitions delivered by 20 000 women, Members of Parliament stood in silence for 30 minutes.
- 50 years since the 1976 youth uprising.
- 30 years since adoption of the Constitution in 1996.
SONA 2026 sets out a high-stakes agenda built around big numbers: R1 trillion in infrastructure, R2 trillion in new investment targets, millions of jobs, and large-scale reforms to energy, water, policing and local government. – SAnews.gov.za
