11 February 2026
The Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) looks forward to the State of the Nation Address (SONA) with cautious optimism, amidst increased questions in a climate that demands decisive answers and action. As 2026 was ushered in on the back of positivity with the performance of the currency and reduced fuel prices, FEDUSA expects President Ramaphosa to outline a tangible pathway that transcends from sentiment to commitment and now decisive implementation plans with clear timeframes. These plans must respond directly to wrestling the stubbornly high levels of unemployment and the listless economic growth. Anything less will only see further entrenchment of poverty and inequality.
Cadre Deployment and Governance
FEDUSA denounces cadre deployment without due consideration to the principle of meritocracy. Incapabilities and incompetence have directly contributed to the collapse of public institutions, fueling widespread service delivery failures. South Africa’s developmental aspirations cannot be compromised ; urgent interventions must be implemented to redirect focus and resources in tackling soaring electricity prices, rampant crime, local government failures, aggressive infrastructure investments, SOE revitalization and clear abandonment of dreadful austerity measures that only fail the poor and working class.
Crime, Justice, and Accountability
The findings of the Madlanga Commission and the Ad Hoc Committee have exposed deep failures within the security and justice sectors, where those entrusted to protect communities have instead become perpetrators. FEDUSA expects President Cyril Ramaphosa to outline clear, time-bound crime fighting strategies to restore safety, accountability, and public trust.
Adequate funding of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is essential to implement the findings of judicial commissions of inquiry, particularly those relating to state capture and corruption. Without a capable, independent prosecutorial authority, accountability is undermined and public confidence in the criminal justice system continues to erode.
Healthcare and National Health Insurance
The Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC) must be strengthened to address systemic failures in public healthcare and to ensure readiness for the implementation of National Health Insurance (NHI). NHI cannot succeed without restoring minimum standards of quality, governance, and accountability.
Border Management
The Border Management Authority (BMA) must be adequately resourced to curb illicit trade, revenue losses, labour exploitation, and the erosion of local industries. South Africa requires functional and secure borders to effectively address illegal immigration and cross-border crime.
Revenue Collection
SARS must be strengthened to collect revenue efficiently and combat illicit financial flows, illegal imports, under-invoicing, and tax evasion, which continue to drain public funds. These practices place an unfair burden on workers and law-abiding businesses. The country recovered R30.0 billion due to Criminal and Illicit Economic Activities in 2024/25. Strengthening SARS will improve revenue collection, reduce pressure on consumers, and enable government to fund public services, infrastructure, and other essential programmes. Protecting the independence and capacity of SARS is critical to fiscal stability and economic recovery.
Fiscal Policy, Employment, and Equality
FEDUSA reiterates its rejection of austerity measures. Government budgeting and policy must focus on creating sustainable employment for youth, developing skills, and ensuring access to decent work. Targeted measures are needed to close the gender wage gap through strict enforcement of pay equity laws and meaningful support for women workers. Equal pay for equal work must be guaranteed.
Just Transition and Climate Resilience
Budgeting for just transition initiatives, including the Just Energy Transition, must place workers at the centre. Climate measures should safeguard jobs and livelihoods. FEDUSA emphasises that the transition must be inclusive and equitable, with no worker or community left behind.
Gender-Based Violence
FEDUSA expects that additional resources will be allocated to combat gender-based violence and address this national crisis effectively.
National Minimum Wage
Fedusa welcomed the recent adjustment to the national minimum wage but remains concerned that Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) participants continue to earn far below a living wage. We call on government and stakeholders to address this disparity and ensure fair pay for all workers.
Municipalities
It is widely acknowledged that many municipalities continue to face significant challenges, including corruption, financial mismanagement, and limited administrative capacity, all of which undermine effective governance and service delivery. In 2025 it was reported that of the 257 municipalities, only 41 achieved unqualified audits with no findings (clean audits), while 99 received unqualified audits with findings. A further 90 municipalities obtained qualified audits with findings, 11 received disclaimed audit opinions with findings, and 10 audits remain outstanding. As a result, South Africans are being denied essential services. The challenges have been clearly identified; it is now time for decisive and strategic
action to address these persistent and long-standing issues.
Infrastructure, Education, and Electricity
Water and public infrastructure continue to deteriorate due to underinvestment and poor planning, leaving many communities without reliable services. FEDUSA calls for urgent and adequate investment in water infrastructure, maintenance, and long-term planning.
Learners must not suffer because of institutional neglect. Education infrastructure must be modernised, and the continued existence of pit toilets in schools is unacceptable. FEDUSA expects the President to declare their eradication a national priority and a national disaster, with clear timelines and accountability measures. We also demand an update on progress in this regard.
Students in higher education continue to face exclusion from financial assistance, long registration queues, and inadequate accommodation. There is an urgent need to improve student funding and accelerate investment in student housing.
The rising cost of living is a serious concern. NERSA’s decision to raise Eskom’s average tariffs by 8.76% unfairly burdens workers and households who are already struggling. Consumers should not have to pay more for electricity when services are unreliable and institutional and regulatory mistakes persist.
Conclusion
FEDUSA calls on government to act decisively to protect workers, learners, and communities. Public services must be strengthened, education and infrastructure improved, and the cost of living controlled. South Africa cannot continue to pay the price for neglect, mismanagement, and inequality. What FEDUSA demands now is the clearest outline of the progress made on the plethora of promises outlined in previous SONA’s. The people of South Africa deserve a message of hope that this rainbow nation will overcome, not on empty promises, but on clear, measurable and impactful economic growth, where jobs are created and dignity restored. The government must put people first, ensure fairness, safety, and create opportunities for all.
END.