The State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Thursday, promises to be a significant moment for South Africa.

With the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU) following the 2024 national elections, this year’s address will be delivered by President Cyril Ramaphosa in a new political climate.

As the country waits to hear the president’s plans for the year ahead, political experts are sharing their thoughts on what to expect from Sona 2025.

Levy Ndou, a political expert at Tshwane University of Technology, anticipates a more inclusive approach this year.

"This year’s Sona will truly reflect the state of the nation, in the sense that the views of multiple political parties will be incorporated," Ndou said.

With the GNU in place, he explained that the president will speak on behalf of a broad coalition, addressing the concerns of a diverse set of parties including the Democratic Alliance (DA), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), and the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC).

“The president will outline the government's program of action, reflecting the contributions of various political parties,” Ndou added.

The inclusivity of the address is expected to focus on key issues raised by multiple parties.

According to Ndou, land reform, which the PAC has long championed, unemployment, and corruption will be central to the speech.

“Public representatives should have had the opportunity to raise their concerns in the Cabinet Lekgotla,” he noted.

Ndou believes that Ramaphosa must outline a joint strategy for addressing these pressing issues.

However, while there is hope for meaningful change, some remain skeptical.

Sipho Seepe, a political expert and vocal critic of the government, believes the address will be more of the same.

“Sona has become an expensive, meaningless extravaganza,” Seepe said.

“Beyond the fashion parade and military display, there’s little in terms of new content.”

Seepe argues that the GNU is a response to the ANC’s declining influence after the 2024 elections, adding that the President will likely avoid acknowledging his government’s shortcomings.

Seepe also criticised the President’s handling of national issues, including the economy.

“Ramaphosa will probably blame Covid-19 for the country’s struggles, but the economy was already in decline before the pandemic,” Seepe said.

He also predicted that the President would gloss over the controversy surrounding his leadership, particularly the findings from the independent parliamentary panel that suggested he may have a case to answer.

“He won’t acknowledge that the promises he’ll make are just repetition of past pledges,” Seepe said.

Another key issue that Seepe expects Ramaphosa to address is the tragic loss of South African soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

“The president will speak on the tragedy of our soldiers in the DRC but will likely avoid addressing his public dispute with [Rwandan] President Paul Kagame, who has repeatedly branded him a liar,” Seepe explained.

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