Ramaphosa Urges Unity and Renewed Hope in 2026 New Year Message

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on South Africans to enter 2026 with renewed hope, unity and confidence in the country’s potential, while acknowledging the deep socio-economic challenges many citizens continue to face.

In his New Year message to the nation, President Ramaphosa reflected on a difficult year marked by unemployment, persistent poverty and inequality, the high cost of living, crime, gender-based violence, and disruptions in the delivery of basic services.

“The year behind us was not easy,” Ramaphosa said, noting that many households have been under severe financial strain, while communities continue to live in fear of gang violence and crime. He added that women and children remain particularly vulnerable to gender-based violence and femicide.

Despite these challenges, the President assured citizens that government is fully aware of their struggles and is taking action to address them through partnerships between government, business, labour, civil society and ordinary citizens.

“We therefore enter the New Year with renewed hope, greater purpose and even greater confidence in the potential of our great country and its people,” he said.

Signs of economic recovery

Ramaphosa highlighted several indicators pointing to economic recovery, including easing inflation, a reduction in the cost of living, and a strengthening rand. He also announced that South Africa’s sovereign credit rating has been upgraded for the first time in nearly 20 years, allowing government to access funding for infrastructure and social development at lower costs.

“Our economy is recovering. We are working on creating more jobs, especially for young people,” he said.

He pointed to improved performance at Eskom, which has resulted in the country going without load shedding for several months, as well as progress in rail and port operations and the restoration of commuter rail corridors.

Infrastructure development remains a top priority, with government budgeting more than R1 trillion over the next three years for roads, ports, rail, energy and water systems.

Jobs, youth and fighting corruption

The President said public employment programmes, including the Presidential Employment Stimulus and the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, have enabled thousands of South Africans to earn an income and build livelihoods. He also noted that the Youth Employment Service(YES) has created more than 200,000 work experience opportunities for young people.

On corruption, Ramaphosa reaffirmed government’s commitment to clean governance, stating that billions of rands in stolen funds have been recovered through the work of the Special Investigating Unit and the Asset Forfeiture Unit. He added that specialised task teams have made progress in combating illegal mining, kidnapping, infrastructure crimes and construction site extortion.

National Dialogue and global standing

Ramaphosa also reflected on the launch of the National Dialogue, aimed at fostering an inclusive national conversation about South Africa’s democratic future. He said the process builds on the country’s tradition of resolving challenges through dialogue and consensus.

Internationally, the President said South Africa’s successful hosting of the first G20 Summit on African soil strengthened the country’s global standing and ensured that the voice of Africa and the Global South is recognised.

Call for respect and unity

In closing, Ramaphosa paid tribute to various sectors of society, including young people, workers, women, healthcare professionals, law enforcement officers, public servants, traditional leaders, people living with disabilities, sports stars, artists and the media.

He made a direct appeal to men in the country to respect and protect women and girls, and to desist from gender-based violence and femicide.

“Despite the challenges we face, our country is getting stronger and our economy is improving,” he said. “As we prepare to welcome a new year, let us remain united in building the South Africa of our dreams.”

The President ended his message by wishing all South Africans a happy and blessed New Year and called for continued unity in 2026.