Against the backdrop of tensions with the US and a threatening Donald Trump, President Cyril Ramaphosa kicked off his State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Cape Town on Thursday night, noting: “We are a resilient people. We will not be bullied.” He also spoke about South Africa’s commitment to peace, emphasising that the country will continue working towards diplomatic solutions in conflicts like those in Ukraine and the Middle East. 

After that, it was on to government business. While the speech covered a lot of ground, here are five major takeaways that directly impact South Africans:

1. A Focus on economic growth and jobs

If there’s one thing South Africans need right now, it’s job opportunities. Ramaphosa made it clear that economic growth is a top priority, with plans to push the growth to above 3%. He’s counting on financial institutions and investors to release R100 billion for infrastructure, fixing struggling state-owned companies like Eskom and Transnet, and giving more support to small businesses—especially those owned by black entrepreneurs, women, and persons with disabilities.

2. Load shedding: Is It finally over?

South Africans have been enjoying 300 days of uninterrupted power supply since March 2024, until last week when Eskom decided to humble us with two days of blackouts. So, is load shedding finally a thing of the past?

The president seems to think we’re on the right track. He reiterated plans to open up the electricity market to multiple power producers, meaning less reliance on Eskom. More competition equals more energy security. But until we see a full year of lights on, we’re keeping our candles and gas stoves close by.

3. Water and infrastructure: fixing a thirsty nation

Beyond electricity, the President addressed another critical issue—water shortages. He announced major investments to repair and expand water infrastructure, including the construction of new dams and a national water agency to better manage resources. SA’s struggling roads, ports, and rail networks will also receive upgrades to improve service delivery.

4. Tackling crime and corruption

Crime and corruption remain a top concern for many South Africans. The government is expanding the police force and using technology like artificial intelligence to fight financial crimes. Efforts to recover money lost to corruption have already resulted in R10 billion being returned to the state, and Ramaphosa vowed that the fight against corruption would continue.

5. Social relief and education improvements

For millions of South Africans, social grants are a lifeline, and Ramaphosa confirmed that the Social Relief of Distress Grant will remain the support system for unemployed citizens.

On the education side, there was a reason to celebrate—South Africa recorded its highest matric pass rate of 87%, and the government is stepping up efforts to improve early childhood learning, TVET colleges, and university access. That means more funding for students, better skills training, and hopefully, a smoother transition from school to employment.