Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa has defended the Government of National Unity (GNU), saying Cabinet operates as a collective with no political party divisions and that both successes and failures are shared responsibilities.
Responding to the State of the Nation Address (Sona) debate, Ramaphosa rejected claims by parties such as the Democratic Alliance that improving economic indicators were due to their participation in government.
He stressed that no minister should claim achievements for their party, noting that some progress builds on foundations laid by previous administrations.
He added: “Our successes are the achievements of the collective. By the same measure, we are collectively responsible for our mistakes and shortcomings.”
While acknowledging criticism from opposition parties, including the uMkhonto weSizwe Party, Ramaphosa said economic recovery remains modest but is gaining momentum.
“Although the progress is modest, much more modest than what I would want, the momentum for change, however, is building. Our task now is to sustain this momentum,” President @CyrilRamaphosa #SONA2026Debate pic.twitter.com/ak4rMv0VUJ
— Parliament of RSA (@ParliamentofRSA) February 19, 2026
He pointed to reduced unemployment, improved public finances and lower inflation as positive signs, though he admitted the country still faces serious challenges, with over 11 million people unemployed and more than 10 million living below the food poverty line.
The president highlighted government efforts to support young people through social grants, free primary healthcare, early childhood development and literacy programmes, saying reforms may be late but are now underway.
On the water crisis affecting municipalities, Ramaphosa announced the establishment of a National Water Crisis Committee and said infrastructure investment and sector reforms are needed to stabilise supply.
He also acknowledged that crime, organised criminal networks and gender-based violence (GBV) remain major obstacles to growth. While activists criticised the government for lacking urgency on GBV despite it being declared a national disaster, Ramaphosa said the classification enables faster coordination, accountability and stronger action across all spheres of government.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
