10 February 2025 –Black Sash acknowledges President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) and the commitments made to address critical socio-economic challenges facing South Africa.
For the first time there were no point-of-orders. No slogans. No phrases – which shows a rather mature Government of National Unity (GNU).
This address took place as the country celebrates 70 years since the adoption of the Freedom Chartereedom Charter- a historic document that laid the foundation for a democratic and inclusive society.
At the same time, Black Sash celebrates 70 years of unwavering advocacy for human rights, particularly for the most vulnerable and to date, continue to fight for social justice. Together, these milestones highlight the enduring struggle for equality, justice, and dignity in South Africa’s evolving democracy.
While we welcome the recognition of urgent issues such as social security, digitisation, gender-based violence, social protection, and unemployment, we urge the GNU to move beyond rhetoric and demonstrate clear, implementable steps that will bring tangible change to the lives of the most vulnerable.
Social Security and Protection
We note the President’s reference to expanding and strengthening social security measures. The social relief of distress grant of R370/month has been maintained and expanded. But the courts have agreed with civil society that it is too hard to access to make it an effective poverty relief measure. We remain deeply concerned about the inadequacy of existing grants to meet basic needs, particularly as inflation continues to erode their value. The long-term vision for a Universal Basic Income Grant (UBIG) must be fast-tracked with a clear financing model.
The SRD court challenge highlights the government’s obligation to uphold human dignity, as outlined in the Bill of Rights. President Ramaphosa must now take
concrete steps to strengthen and expand social security measures, ensuring they are fair, transparent, and accessible – by aligning policies with constitutional and human rights principles to provide adequate social protection for all.
Moreover, grant recipients continue to experience payment failures and exploitative deductions, exacerbating their hardship. The GNU must commit to ensuring a dignified and corruption-free grant system that prioritises recipients’ rights.
“Ramaphosa has made commitments before on the eve of elections that he would prioritise Basic Income Grant, when he gets elected into office and we expect him to hold that promise. Social security is a real right and we need to do that,” added Rachel Bukasa, Executive Director of Black Sash.
Digitisation and Public Service Delivery
While digitisation holds potential to improve efficiency in social services, it must not come at the cost of excluding those without digital literacy, stable internet access, or identity documentation. The ongoing challenges in the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant application and payment processes highlight the dangers of a system that is not people-centered. We call for a hybrid service delivery approach that ensures accessibility for all, including walk-in centres with human assistance.
Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF)
We acknowledge the government’s continued commitment to tackling GBVF, but implementation gaps remain glaring. Survivors continue to face systemic barriers when seeking justice, including police inaction, secondary victimisation, and a lack of properly resourced shelters. The government must prioritise full implementation of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF, ensuring budgetary allocations translate into real support for victims, improved law enforcement accountability, and community-driven prevention programs.
Addressing Unemployment and Economic Growth
The President’s announcement of job stimulus programs and economic growth plans is noted, but we must ask: Who benefits, and how will success be measured? Unemployment remains at crisis levels, disproportionately affecting young people and women. Past job creation schemes have often failed due to poor implementation and corruption.
The GNU must:
- Provide a clear framework for job creation that prioritises long-term, sustainable employment rather than temporary work opportunities.
- Implement a transparent monitoring and evaluation system, with publicly available data on job creation efforts, beneficiaries, and impact.
- Ensure that economic policies do not exacerbate inequality but instead uplift marginalised communities.
Call for Stronger Monitoring, Evaluation, and Accountability
The lack of detailed implementation plans, timelines, and accountability mechanisms in SONA speeches has been a recurring issue. The GNU must introduce independent oversight structures, accessible reporting platforms for citizens, and regular updates on progress. Without a strong monitoring and evaluation system, South Africans remain in the dark about how government interventions are improving their lives.
Conclusion
We want a state that treats all people with respect and dignity. A capable state where its people live and work, feel safe and have enough food. We want a nation with a thriving economy that benefits all citizens.
The time for promises without action is over. Black Sash calls on the GNU to demonstrate the political will, urgency, and commitment required to implement socially just policies that truly uplift the vulnerable. We will continue to advocate, monitor, and hold the government accountable to ensure that no one is left behind.
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