Government united behind 2026 SONA priorities

Members of Parliament have welcomed the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA), expressing unified support for government’s commitment to tackling critical challenges affecting the country, including crime, foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), transport bottlenecks and water infrastructure constraints.

During the SONA, President Cyril Ramaphosa outlined government’s coordinated response to these pressing issues, emphasising economic growth, improved service delivery and strengthened state capacity as key priorities for the year ahead.

FMD Declared a National Disaster

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen welcomed the President’s announcement that the current FMD outbreak has been classified as a national disaster, enabling a more coordinated national response.

President Ramaphosa described the outbreak as one of the most severe the country has experienced, highlighting its damaging impact on the cattle industry, including export bans, trade restrictions and significant losses for livestock farmers.

The President confirmed that at least 14 million cattle will be vaccinated, with an estimated 28 million vaccine doses required over the next 12 months.

Government will centrally facilitate the acquisition of vaccines to ensure that the correct strain-specific vaccines are secured.

Minister Steenhuisen said the declaration would strengthen coordination efforts, including through the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), to enforce movement controls.

“This will assist us in preventing the movement of animals from infected to non-infected areas and ensure that containment measures are effectively implemented,” he said.

The Minister described the new strategy as proactive and commended the deployment of additional extension officers to work with communities and raise awareness about the importance of vaccination.

He also welcomed the broader SONA focus on crime and economic growth.

“It was a good speech. The President’s approach to tackling crime and corruption, including the announced deployments, is the right move. We need more boots on the ground to get on top of crime,” Steenhuisen said.

He added that the emphasis on economic growth is likely to shape the upcoming national Budget.

Transport the Backbone of the Economy

Deputy Minister of Transport Mkhuleko Hlengwa described the Address as balanced and fair, noting that it reflected on progress made since the Government of National Unity (GNU) was established.

“Transport is the backbone of the country’s aspirations — both in terms of passenger rail and freight logistics. The President acknowledged the progressive work undertaken by the department and its entities.

“What is important now is to build on these gains and return in a year’s time to report further progress,” Hlengwa said.

Border Security and Economic Reform

Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner Michael Masiapato welcomed the President’s emphasis on combating illegal migration and strengthening border security.

“We require more technology, particularly drones, to monitor movements and intercept those attempting to enter the country illegally,” Masiapato said.

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni also welcomed the interventions announced in the SONA to address critical challenges facing South Africans.

She said government’s renewed focus on expanding the economy and supporting small businesses will play a central role in job creation.

“We welcome firm interventions to grow the economy and create jobs, particularly support for small businesses that are at the coalface of employment creation,” Ntshavheni said.

Improving Access to Finance

In his Address, President Ramaphosa announced that more than R2.5 billion in funding will be provided this year to over 180,000 small and medium enterprises (SMEs), alongside a further R1 billion in guarantees to improve access to finance.

The President said government will prioritise women- and youth-led businesses to advance economic empowerment. He also announced plans to amend regulations under the National Credit Act to make it easier for businesses to access credit at a lower cost.

Minister Ntshavheni welcomed progress in the logistics sector aimed at strengthening export readiness.

She further highlighted government’s clear industrial policy direction, including expanding local manufacturing, supporting mining exploration and positioning mining as a key contributor to the green economy.

“Mining is no longer a ‘dirty’ economy; it is an important part of green economy production, and we have an abundance of resources to support that,” she said.

Addressing the Water Crisis

On water security, Minister Ntshavheni welcomed the President’s announcement of the establishment of a National Water Crisis Committee, which he will personally chair.

To address revenue shortfalls affecting water infrastructure in many metros, cities and towns, the President also announced the introduction of a new R54 billion incentive programme to support reforms in water, sanitation and electricity services.