Ramaphosa’s 2026 SONA: Salga expects focus on service delivery, local government reforms

Service delivery and governance reforms are expected to feature prominently when President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday, February 12.

This is according to the South African Local Government Association (Salga) which was commenting ahead of Ramaphosa's address.

Salga said as the country marks 30 years of Organised Local Government and the Constitution, it expected Ramaphosa to reaffirm local government’s central role in national development and to demonstrate measurable progress on reforms announced in previous SONAs.

These include professionalising local government, measures towards the review of the local government funding model and the institutionalisation of the District Development Model amongst others.

“While access to basic services has expanded, persistent challenges, such as infrastructure backlogs, the rate of unemployment, the shrinking revenue base, continue to erode public trust. This SoNA must reaffirm the importance of investing in critical infrastructure maintenance and upgrades, thus ensuring stable water supply, reliable electricity, proper sanitation, and well-maintained roads. It must also outline concrete steps to professionalise the sector, strengthen oversight, and root out maladministration at the local level.”

Salga said municipalities remain the engines of inclusive growth and the frontline of service provision, closest to where people live and work.

It called for a more equitable and adequate fiscal framework for municipalities with enhancements in funding and revenue management supported by all three spheres of government in order for municipalities to play a catalytic role and drive development in communities.

“Communities expect to see results from the previous commitments made by the 7th Administration. This year’s address needs to go beyond diagnosis and deliver a clear roadmap for implementation, including funding commitment. Local government is ready to partner with national and provincial counterparts to turn policy into progress,” said Salga president Cllr Bheki Stofile.

The IFP said it expects Ramaphosa to deliver a comprehensive and action-oriented SONA that outlines government’s plans to advance good governance, strengthen service delivery, and drive inclusive economic development.

Nhlanhla Hadebe, IFP chief whip in the National Assembly, said while there had been signs of progress including improvements in the economy, significant gaps remain — particularly in rural safety, economic growth, youth unemployment in rural areas, energy and infrastructure development, rural water security, as well as the persistent challenge of crime.

“We expect the President to provide clear interventions to strengthen safety and security, including improved border management and decisive action against illegal immigration. The IFP maintains a firm position that undocumented foreign nationals must be deported, while supporting a fair and regulated migration system that prioritises individuals with scarce and critical skills.

“The President must also present concrete measures to reduce youth unemployment, alleviate poverty, and address the rising cost of living. This includes meaningful support for small businesses, the promotion of rural industrialisation, and sustained investment in rural farmers and small-scale agriculture to unlock sustainable economic growth.”

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