SONA: State of the Nation Address 2024
A Nation that Works for All

State of the Nation  2025

A Nation that Works for All

Peace and stability in Africa and the world

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SONA Highlights

Improving community safety

SAPS work closely with community policing forums

Prioritising reducing gun-related crime and violence

Prevent the diversion of firearms into the illicit market and recover illegal firearms in circulation

Expanding victim support services

Expand sexual offences courts, with another 16 sexual offences courts

Promoting peace and stability on the continent

Promoting peace and stability on the continent

Since the advent of democracy, we have been instrumental in restoring stability in countries like Côte d’Ivoire, Burundi, South Sudan and Lesotho.

  • Most recently, we have been part of the SADC peacekeeping mission in Mozambique that has brought relative calm and stability to the Cabo Delgado province.
  • The presence of South African peacekeepers in the eastern DRC is testament to our continued commitment to the peaceful resolution of one of the world’s most intractable conflicts, which has cost millions of lives and displaced millions of people.
  • We call on all parties to embrace the current diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful resolution, including honouring the Luanda Process.
  • We will attend the Joint Summit between SADC and the East African Community scheduled to take place in Tanzania this weekend, where we will reiterate our call for a ceasefire and a resumption of talks to find a just and enduring solution.

South Africa, an ethical state at home and abroad

South Africa, an ethical state at home and abroad

“We want a nation that is at peace with the world. The key pillars of our foreign policy remain the promotion of human rights, peace and friendship. We continue through our international relations to advance the well-being of the South African people as we seek to advance the well-being of humanity.”

  • We are fully committed to the articles of the United Nations Charter, including the principle that all members shall settle their international disputes by peaceful means. We are determined that a reformed and representative United Nations must be at the centre of global affairs.
  • We will continue to push for progress on the reform of the UN Security Council into a more inclusive, more effective body that is able to ensure peace and security.
  • South Africa continues to stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine, who, having endured decades of illegal occupation, are now experiencing indescribable suffering.
  • We support the principle of respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states and peoples and continue to participate in the different peace processes seeking to bring about a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
  • We continue to advance our nation’s agenda of cooperation and multilateralism through membership of the United Nations, African Union, the Non-Aligned Movement and BRICS group of countries.