President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered his 2026 State of the Nation Address in Cape Town on Thursday evening, outlining the government’s priorities for economic growth, crime prevention, infrastructure reform, and water security. The address affects residents across Gauteng, where water outages, crime, and municipal instability remain pressing concerns. Ramaphosa committed to intensified interventions in local government, policing, and infrastructure, signalling a year focused on implementation rather than new policy announcements.
The speech, delivered at Cape Town City Hall, set out the strategic priorities of the Government of National Unity, including inclusive growth, job creation, reducing poverty, and building a capable state.
Below is the full text of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2026 State of the Nation Address, as delivered on 12 February 2026.
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President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address 2026
The complete address can be accessed here:
Key Highlights Affecting Gauteng
While the full address spans multiple sectors, several announcements directly impact Gauteng residents.
National Water Crisis Committee
Ramaphosa confirmed the establishment of a National Water Crisis Committee, which he will chair, to coordinate responses to municipal water failures. Gauteng has experienced repeated outages in Johannesburg and surrounding municipalities.
The President said poor planning and inadequate maintenance were key causes of dry taps. He confirmed that the national government may intervene in municipalities where necessary.
Deployment of Security Forces
The President confirmed the deployment of the South African National Defence Force to support police in addressing gang violence and illegal mining, including in parts of Gauteng.
He said organised crime is now one of the most immediate threats to democracy and economic development.
Infrastructure Investment
The government has committed over R1 trillion in public infrastructure spending over three years. Key areas include:
- Energy reform and grid expansion
- Water and sanitation infrastructure
- Rail and port upgrades
- Digital infrastructure
Gauteng’s logistics corridors and commuter rail systems are expected to benefit from these reforms.
Electricity Reform
Ramaphosa stated that load shedding has ended and that reforms in the electricity sector are underway. The government plans to expand the renewable energy supply and establish an independent transmission entity.
He said more than 40 percent of South Africa’s energy mix is expected to come from renewable sources by 2030.
Crime and Corruption Reform
The President confirmed:
- 5,500 additional police officers will be recruited this year
- Lifestyle audits for senior public servants
- A Whistle-Blower Protection Bill will be introduced
- New commercial courts will be established to speed up economic cases
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
The 2026 State of the Nation Address signals that Gauteng remains central to national priorities.
For residents, this translates into:
- Greater national oversight of municipal water systems
- Possible constitutional interventions in failing municipalities
- Increased police and military presence in crime hotspots
- Infrastructure upgrades targeting energy, rail and logistics
- Continued social grant support, including the SRD grant
However, many commitments depend on implementation timelines and cooperation between national, provincial and local government.
Economic Commitments
Ramaphosa said the economy has recorded four consecutive quarters of growth and two primary budget surpluses. He stated:
- National debt is stabilising
- Inflation is at a 20-year low
- Investor confidence has improved
He set a target of raising R2 trillion in new investment over five years.
For Gauteng, as South Africa’s economic hub, these commitments could influence employment levels, infrastructure investment and business expansion.
Education, Health and Social Protection
The President announced:
- Expansion of early childhood development
- Overhaul of the skills development system
- Increased support for TVET colleges
- Continued rollout of digital government services
- Continued SRD grant with redesign to support livelihoods
He also confirmed increased focus on combating child stunting and expanding healthcare infrastructure.
Foreign Policy and Global Positioning
Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to multilateralism and sovereignty, stating the country “will not be bullied by any other country.”
He highlighted:
- G20 Presidency outcomes
- Support for the African Continental Free Trade Area
- Expansion of critical minerals beneficiation
- Continued peacekeeping efforts
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I read the full 2026 SONA speech?
The full official speech is available in PDF format above.
What did Ramaphosa say about the water crisis?
He announced the formation of a National Water Crisis Committee and confirmed possible interventions in municipalities failing to deliver services.
Will the SANDF be deployed in Gauteng?
Yes. The President confirmed that security forces will support police in addressing gang violence and illegal mining, including in Gauteng.
Is load shedding officially over?
The President stated that load shedding has ended and energy reforms are underway.
Will the SRD grant continue?
Yes. The Social Relief of Distress grant will continue and will be redesigned to support livelihoods and work opportunities.
What Happens Next
The implementation phase now begins. Several initiatives announced in the address require:
- Parliamentary processes
- Budget allocations in the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement
- Regulatory changes
- Municipal cooperation
Key timelines include:
- Reporting on Eskom restructuring within three months
- Introduction of the Whistle-Blower Protection Bill
- Establishment of commercial courts
- Implementation of the National Water Crisis Committee
Whether the commitments outlined translate into tangible improvements for Gauteng residents will depend on execution, oversight, and accountability in the months ahead.
