SONA Backfires On Cyril Ramaphosa: Go Look After Your Ankole at Phala Phala
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (Sona) has come under intense scrutiny from opposition parties, with many accusing him of failing to address the pressing issues facing South Africa. Critics have described his speech as lacking substance, recycling old promises, and failing to provide solutions for the country’s most pressing challenges.
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The debate, which spanned over two days at the Nieuwmeester Dome in Cape Town, saw MPs from various opposition parties expressing frustration with the President’s address. The MK Party, in particular, dismissed Ramaphosa’s speech as the “state of nothingness address.” According to MK Party MP Nhlamulo Ndhlela, the speech seemed more like a “maiden speech of someone newly appointed to the job,” filled with “recycled promises, hollow rhetoric, and fanfare.”
Recycled Promises and Hollow Rhetoric
Ndhlela did not hold back in his critique, emphasizing that the speech was merely another example of “political theatrics.” According to him, the Sona should be a time for reflection and accountability, but instead, it felt more like a spectacle without substance. He criticized Ramaphosa for repeating promises made in previous years, stating that South Africans deserved more than just words—they deserved results.
“The realities on the ground tell a different story. A story of betrayal, neglect, and failure,” said Ndhlela. The MK Party also took aim at the government’s priorities, particularly in the wake of the deaths of 14 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Ndhlela accused the government of prioritizing economic interests over human lives, arguing that the soldiers’ deaths were not in defense of South Africa’s sovereignty, but to protect the government’s economic interests abroad.
The Expropriation Act and Land Reform
Ndhlela also condemned the new Expropriation Act, claiming that it was a “repackaging of the Expropriation Act of 1975,” a relic of apartheid that did nothing to address historical land issues. According to Ndhlela, the legislation represented a “failed state” under Ramaphosa’s leadership, furthering the sense that the current administration was not fulfilling its promises.
The MK Party’s harsh assessment was echoed by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). EFF MP Omphile Maotwe criticized Ramaphosa for his “empty promises,” noting that year after year, the President made the same pledges without ever being held accountable. Maotwe also directed a scathing remark at the President, suggesting that Ramaphosa should “go look after your Ankole at Phala Phala farm” rather than continue making unfulfilled promises to the nation.
Support for the President from the ANC
Despite the fierce opposition from various parties, there were those who defended Ramaphosa. ANC MP Cameron Dugmore praised the President for signing the Expropriation Act and the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act, despite criticism from opposition figures such as the DA’s Helen Zille and the lobby group AfriForum. Dugmore called for more dialogue and respect, accusing opposition parties of undermining the unity government and playing politics rather than focusing on practical solutions.
Calls for Economic Focus on Local Communities
Among the voices calling for a shift in priorities was Bheke Charles Stofile, President of the South African Local Government Association (Salga). Stofile emphasized the need to reassess the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and to focus more on local economies and rural development. He called for greater investment in small business enterprises within townships, arguing that the country’s economic growth could not prosper without empowering local communities.
Inequality and Gender-Based Violence: Key Issues
ActionSA MP Kgosi Letlape also pointed out the persistent inequality in South Africa, despite the country’s democratic progress. Letlape expressed frustration that black South Africans were still treated as second-class citizens, and he highlighted gender-based violence (GBV) as a key issue. He called for a cultural shift to combat the epidemic of GBV, stressing that unless societal attitudes changed, the country would continue to face this crisis.
The Way Forward for South Africa
As the Sona debate continues, it’s clear that many MPs are dissatisfied with the state of governance under President Ramaphosa. While some argue that his speech provided hope for the future, others see it as a failed opportunity for real change. As the country faces numerous challenges—from economic inequality to gender-based violence—it remains to be seen whether the government will take concrete steps to address these issues or continue to rely on promises without delivering tangible results.
President Ramaphosa will have the chance to respond to the criticism during his follow-up address on Thursday, but whether his words will carry the weight of real change remains uncertain. The calls for accountability from opposition parties and civil society continue to grow, and it is now up to the government to take decisive action to restore trust and move the country forward.
