SONA 2025: What Businesses Want from Ramaphosa’s Speech

President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver his 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) today, marking the first SONA under the Government of National Unity (GNU). Business leaders are calling on the President to outline clear economic growth strategies, emphasizing electricity, logistics, water, and governance reforms.

With South Africa’s economy struggling to gain momentum, Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA) CEO Busisiwe Mavuso has urged the President to reinforce partnerships with the private sector and target 3% economic growth by 2025—a goal that requires urgent reforms.

“That is the kind of growth that will start making a meaningful impact on unemployment, spur investment, and generate the tax revenue required to support government’s social programmes.” – Busisiwe Mavuso, BLSA CEO

Key Business Priorities for SONA 2025

Electricity & Energy Security

Unbundling Eskom to improve efficiency and competition
Major new grid investments to support renewable energy
Accelerating private sector participation in power generation
Ensuring full implementation of the Energy Action Plan

Why It Matters: South Africa saw 300+ days without load shedding before power cuts returned last weekend. Businesses need long-term energy security for stability and investment.

Fixing Logistics & Freight Infrastructure

Fast-tracking Transnet reforms to improve rail and port efficiency
Encouraging private sector investment through concessions
Open access to rail infrastructure—potential R250 billion investment

Why It Matters: Freight inefficiencies cost the economy billions each year. If not addressed, exporters, manufacturers, and retailers will continue to suffer losses.

Strengthening Governance & Fighting Corruption

Restoring the criminal justice system to combat corruption
Exiting the FATF grey list by tightening anti-money laundering regulations
Fixing local government service delivery to prevent municipal collapse

Why It Matters: The collapse of major municipalities threatens business operations. Many cities owe billions to Eskom, putting energy security and services at risk.

Upcoming Events Shaping Economic Policy

South Africa Hosting G20 in 2025

• The G20 summit and B20 business forum offer opportunities to rebuild investor confidence and attract global economic partnerships.
• SONA 2025 is a chance to reaffirm South Africa’s leadership role in emerging markets.

2025 Budget Speech (February 2025)

• National Treasury is preparing key reforms, including:
  Exchange control modernization
  Tax policy adjustments for businesses
  Easing regulatory burdens on investors

Why It Matters: The budget speech will follow up on SONA commitments, determining how reforms will be funded and implemented.

Will SONA 2025 Deliver?

Business leaders expect decisive action from President Ramaphosa to improve South Africa’s economic outlook. From energy security and logistics to governance and policy certainty, the success of SONA 2025 will be measured by its ability to drive real change and boost investor confidence.

What are your expectations for SONA 2025?

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