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SONA Reforms must deliver for the Eastern Cape

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Dear Editor

The 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA), delivered by President Cyril Ramaphosa, placed a strong emphasis on economic growth, job creation, and service delivery. While these commitments are welcomed, the real test lies in implementation, especially for the Eastern Cape, which remains the most economically vulnerable province in South Africa.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the President’s recognition of pro-growth and pro-jobs policies that align with DA-led governance principles. However, for these reforms to succeed, they must be backed by decisive action. The Eastern Cape’s official unemployment rate stands at 37.2%, with an expanded rate of 47.4%, the highest in South Africa. Targeted economic intervention is urgently needed.

Despite the province’s vast potential, rural economies remain underdeveloped. Opportunities in agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing continue to be wasted due to poor infrastructure and policy uncertainty. If these industries are to thrive, investment and clear policy direction are essential.

The new Government of National Unity (GNU) provides an opportunity to drive these reforms further. If the Eastern Cape is to benefit from the positive economic momentum created by DA-led initiatives, then practical steps must be taken to address infrastructure backlogs, unlock rural economic potential, and create an investment-friendly environment.

However, economic growth is impossible without functional local governance. Mismanagement at the municipal level has brought service delivery to its knees. Businesses are already struggling due to deteriorating infrastructure, unreliable electricity, and water shortages.

Without decisive governance reform, companies will be forced to close, and new investment will bypass the province entirely.

For too long, major infrastructure projects like the uMzimvubu Dam have remained nothing more than political promises. Year after year, delays and mismanagement have stalled progress, holding back job creation and agricultural expansion. If government is serious about growth, then infrastructure development must move beyond rhetoric to implementation.

The DA will continue to hold government accountable while working to ensure that DA-led economic reforms translate into real opportunities for the people of the Eastern Cape. This province has been left behind for far too long.

It is time for action, investment, and growth that delivers tangible results.

Regards

Dr Vicky Knoetze MPL
DA Leader of the Official Opposition in the Eastern Cape Legislature

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