SONA 2026: South Africans’ lived reality ‘not the glossy picture’ Ramaphosa may paint

Cape Town City Hall will once again host the pageantry of the State of the Nation Address later, complete with motorcades and ceremony.

But beyond the spectacle, many South Africans are asking whether this year’s speech will address the country's dry taps, long clinic queues, and the jobs that were promised but never materialised.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver his tenth SONA tonight (Thursday) at 7pm, marking his second address since the Government of National Unity (GNU) was formed.

The President has made many promises, over the years, says 702's Bongani Bingwa. Is it fair to hold him to the many that remain unkept?

Yes, it is, says Mondli Makhanya, editor, columnist and commentator.

"The big challenge, and I think what he should do, is douse the cynicism around the SONA that currently exists."

What the President ought to do is be realistic, says Makhanya.

"Account for what you have done...say, these are the challenges we've faced, and keep to what you have promised before. We don't need a new plan."

But Makhanya himself remains realistic, noting that this is an election year and that, with that in mind, the President will make promises.

"Because there is material that is going to go into the ANC's manifesto."

And, Makhanya concedes, it is, in fact, not all doom and gloom.

"Look, the lights are on, loadshedding did end, Operation Vulindlela is starting to reap some results and growth is marginally creeping back...so there are good things to say."

But unfortunately, he adds, it is not the lived experience of South Africans.

"Yes, loadshedding ended, but at the municipal level, people are still experiencing power outages."

The lived experience of South Africans is not the 'glossy picture' Ramaphosa will want to paint at City Hall, Makhanya concludes later.

To listen to Mondli Makhanya in conversation with 702 Bongani Bingwa click audio below.