SONA 2025: Maimane and Hill-Lewis demand economic change and Cabinet streamlining
Build One SA (BOSA) leader, Mmusi Maimane, and City of Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis eagerly shared their hopes and their plans for the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Tuesday.
In what has become an annual norm, in the lead-up to SONA, which will be delivered by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday, officials have shared issues they hope to be addressed by the president, but also have shared their own economic plans.
Maimane, also a member of Parliament, used his pre-SONA address to call for a cut to the Government of National Unity (GNU) Cabinet, and also set out the party’s plan to reset and revive a 5% economic growth.
Maimane said while the GNU was heralded as a “fresh start”, it has proven to be a political balancing act.
“Internal disputes over key policies — including the BELA Act, the Expropriation Bill and the National Health Insurance Bill — have exposed deep ideological rifts among coalition partners.
“Rather than fostering stability, this alliance of political rivals has resulted in policy stagnation, with ANC-led governance prevailing despite the supposed inclusion of opposition voices,” Maimane said.
He said that the GNU’s inability to agree on a coherent policy direction has left promises unfulfilled, and that their warnings against ‘GNUphoria’ — the blind optimism that unity alone would solve the nation’s crises — have proven accurate.
“Six months on, job creation efforts remain stagnant, the education system continues to suffer from structural failures, and public safety remains a persistent concern. What South Africans need is not performative unity but decisive leadership, a sound economic strategy, and a government that prioritises citizens over political survival,” he said.
“The GNU’s longevity hinges not on the number of parties in its ranks but on whether it can deliver real change.”
Maimane said that along with a bloated Cabinet comes blue lights, and more security per minister.
“Were we to cut the size of the Cabinet, it could free up R600 million that we direct towards policing. It would require boldness but it needs to face up to GNU partners… I urge again, let’s cut the size of this Cabinet.”
Maimane also compared South Africa to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), saying that the growth at which the country has evolved is something South Africa could achieve as well.
“During my recent visit to the UAE over the festive season, I was inspired by the ambition of its government. In just 10 years, they demonstrated progress driven by a clear vision, resources, and an unrelenting focus on development. South Africa needs a similar vision — a commitment to 5% annual growth, a relentless focus on education, and a strategy to move millions out of poverty and into the middle class.
“Economic recovery must take centre stage in 2025, led by infrastructure development. Prioritising transport networks like Prasa and national logistics is essential to stimulate trade, investment, and job creation,” Maimane said.
“The economic benefits of the Gautrain are undeniable, having created hubs of economic activity. Expanding reliable rail networks to provinces like North West, Free State, and Mpumalanga is vital for future growth.
“We cannot afford crumbling airports that run out of fuel or poor road infrastructure when we need to attract investment, ensure workers can commute, and move goods efficiently.”
He also had other recommendations that included the withdrawal of troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo, increasing opportunities in the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), turning townships into Special Economic Zones (SEZs) under the SEZ Act, and advocated for a voluntary National Civilian Service year to bridge the transition from school to the workforce.
“This would allow matriculants to gain work experience in community healthcare, education, civil service, or policing while earning a stipend.”
ActionSA shared its hopes for Thursday, stating it was joining the Universal Basic Income Coalition and other civil society organisations in calling on President Ramaphosa to provide clear policy direction on social grants.
“For years, the president has vaguely referenced basic income support as part of the government’s long-term vision. However, with the national budget announcement imminent and the current SRD grant regulations set to expire in March 2025, continued uncertainty is unacceptable.
“It is time for decisive leadership and concrete commitments to ensure that no South African in need is left behind,” it said.
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis also shared his laundry list, calling on Ramaphosa to announce major reforms to the management of ports, passenger rail, and policing.
“We can generate huge economic benefits in our region by fixing Cape Town’s port, passenger rail, and policing.
“Cape Town’s port is ranked worst in the world for efficiency, and there’s no doubt private sector partners could turn this around. An efficient port will raise exports of local products and drive job creation in these industries.
“We were disappointed that our port is not among a batch of Transnet projects up for private sector investment injections by June this year. We need a clear and urgent deadline for greater private sector involvement in Cape Town’s port operations,” said Hill-Lewis.
On policing, Hill-Lewis said the city was calling for the devolution of criminal investigative powers so that officers can help build prosecution-ready case dockets, and gain convictions.
“This immediate boost for the State’s criminal investigation capacity can be achieved by the Police Minister issuing regulations under the SAPS Act.”
He’s also calling for amendments to include empowering municipal officers to investigate crime.
“We can take far more guns and drugs off the streets – and gain convictions – if we are able to offer more help to SAPS investigations and prosecutors.”
On passenger rail, the city is calling for a clear deadline for devolving the train service for capable metros to run.
theolin.tembo@inl.co.za