SOUTH AFRICA – Black people, women, and persons with disabilities are prioritised by the Government of National Unity (GNU). President Cyril Ramaphosa, leader of the GNU, stated that many South Africans have been deliberately excluded from participating in the country’s economy.
Ramaphosa delivered the State of the Nation Address (SoNA) on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Cape Town City Hall.
The President acknowledged that for many decades, the economy has been hindered by the exclusion of the vast majority of South Africans.
“Black South Africans were deprived of land, capital, skills, and opportunities. Our economy was starved of the potential of its people,” he said.
He continued, explaining that this exclusion is why the country’s economy needs to be transformed to be more inclusive. “That is why our focus is on empowering black people, women, and persons with disabilities, because they were deliberately excluded from playing a key role in the economy of their own country,” he said.
Ramaphosa added that the GNU will establish a transformation fund of R20 billion per year to support black-owned and small business enterprises over the next five years. He further noted that the regulations of the Public Procurement Act would be fast-tracked to ensure businesses owned by women, youth, and persons with disabilities receive equitable opportunities in government contracts.
“We will continue to provide training to women entrepreneurs to enable them to compete for government tenders,” he stated.
The National Skills Fund Disabilities Programme, launched in November last year, aims to empower over 10,000 persons with disabilities through tailored training programmes, stipends, and specialised tools.
“This part of the work must be undertaken by business, government, labour, and civil society to enable persons with disabilities to play an important role in the economy of our country. Through these programmes, we are not only righting a grave historical wrong. We are unleashing the potential of our economy for sustained growth. We want a nation where there is work for all. Where every person can earn a decent living and realise their potential. Where the rights of workers are protected and working conditions improved. Where women and men receive equal pay for work of equal value. We need to ensure that growth creates jobs for all, especially for young people,” the President said.
Ramaphosa also mentioned that the employment stimulus has created nearly 2.2 million work and livelihood opportunities through innovative models that provide high-quality work to participants.
Additionally, he said that the Social Employment Fund has created over 80,000 jobs this year and supported more than 12,000 participants in entrepreneurial activities.
Focusing on ramping up infrastructure investments to boost economic growth, create jobs, and address critical water shortages, Ramaphosa announced a R940 billion investment in infrastructure over the next three years, with the goal of lifting economic growth above 3%.
A key priority is the revitalisation of roads, bridges, power infrastructure, and water systems, which will unlock new business opportunities and enhance service delivery. Ramaphosa further highlighted that the government is working with local and international investors to secure R100 billion in additional infrastructure financing.
To address water shortages, the Polihali Dam in Lesotho will supply 490 million cubic metres of water annually to the Vaal River System, benefiting several provinces. Other projects, such as Phase 2 of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project and the uMkhomazi Dam, will further expand the country’s water supply.
These projects are expected to generate thousands of jobs, particularly in construction, engineering, and logistics. The President also announced the establishment of the National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency, which will drive long-term investments in water security.
Closing his address, Ramaphosa called for unity to build the nation, saying, “We will work together to build the nation that we want. We will work together to build a nation that works for all.”
