President Preaches Renewed Hope for 2026

Strengthening Rand and record infrastructure investment announcement central to president’s New Year’s message

While admitting that the high cost of living has imposed huge burdens on households and that many communities continue to live in fear of gangsters and gender-based violence (GBV), President Cyril Ramaphosa painted a picture brighter prospects for South Africa, anchored around the recovery of the economy as well as the Rand gaining strength.

In an address that balanced a frank acknowledgement of national hardship with a vision of renewed hope, Ramaphosa welcomed 2026 by characterising the previous year as a vital turning point for South Africa.

He began by addressing the myriad of challenges that have defined the daily lives of South Africans, noting that it is a matter of concern that many citizens are unemployed and that poverty and inequality persist.

Nevertheless, Ramaphosa gave assurance that the economy is on an upward trajectory, thus bearing better prospects for citizens.

“Our economy is recovering.We are working on creating more jobs, especially for young people. Inflation has eased. The cost of living is coming down. The rand has strengthened.”

Ramaphosa went on to highlight a milestone that was nearly two decades in the making.

“South Africa’s sovereign credit rating has been upgraded for the first time in nearly two decades. This means government can mobilise funding for infrastructure investment and social development at a lower rate.”

This development is anchored by a massive trillion Rands commitment to infrastructure development over the next three years.

“Infrastructure is one of our key priorities. We have for the first time budgeted more than R1-trillion for infrastructure investment over the next three years.

“This has catalysed the revitalisation of our country’s roads, port, rail, energy and water systems,” said the President.

On the global stage, Ramphosa reflected on South Africa’s elevated stature following the successful hosting of the G20 Summit - the first to be held on African soil.

“South Africa’s standing in the global community has been enhanced and reaffirmed by our successful hosting of the first G20 Summit ever held on African soil.

“The Leaders’ Declaration adopted by the summit articulated global commitments on inclusive economic growth, debt sustainability, climate action, food security, reform of global financial institutions, and a number of other key issues,” he declared.

Returning to domestic matters, Ramaphosa offered a poetic tribute to the resilience of the people, comparing the nation to a mighty river that may encounter boulders but always finds a way around them.

“To the women of our country: you are the backbone of our nation; we honour and respect you.

“We may at times diverge and differ, but we always converge like streams of a mighty river.

“There may be boulders in our way, but we get around them like the flowing waters of a mighty river,” Ramaphosa said.