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

State of the Nation  2025

A Nation that Works for All

Infrastructure

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SONA Highlights

Strengthening crucial transport infrastructure

Opening access to the rail network to private operators

Ensuring sustainable power generation

Investing in the renewable energy and the green economy

Bridging the digital divide

Expanding access to affordable broadband internet

Investing in national infrastructure

Investing in national infrastructure
Investing in national infrastructure

We are undertaking a massive investment in new infrastructure through a comprehensive approach, while upgrading and maintaining existing infrastructure. This funding will revitalise our roads and bridges, build dams and waterways, modernise our ports and airports and power our economy.

  • Deploy R940 billion infrastructure investment over three years, including R375 billion in spending by state-owned companies.
  • Our immediate focus is to enable Eskom, Transnet and other state-owned enterprises that are vital to our economy to function optimally. We are repositioning these entities to provide world-class infrastructure while enabling competition in operations, whether in electricity generation, freight rail or port terminals
  • Use public-private partnerships to strengthen crucial energy, communication, water and transport infrastructure.
  • We released a Network Statement in December 2024 which, for the first time, will enable private rail operators to access the freight rail system. Open access to the rail network will allow train operating companies to increase the volume of goods transported by rail, while our network infrastructure remains state owned.
  • Modernise ports with new equipment and systems.
  • New cranes and other port equipment are being commissioned to speed up the loading and unloading of cargo and reduce waiting times for ships in our ports.
  • Revitalise small harbours, working with international partners, to unlock economic opportunities for coastal communities.
  • Complete R38 billion blended finance projects.
  • Through the Infrastructure Fund, twelve blended finance projects have been approved in the last year. These are projects in water and sanitation, student accommodation, transport, health and energy.
  • Continue with institutional reforms in the water sector to enable greater investment in bulk water infrastructure and better regulation of water services across the country. To date, the Infrastructure Fund has secured R23 billion for seven large water infrastructure projects.
Infrastructure Fund National Infrastructure Plan Stories of Impact

Ensuring energy security

Ensuring energy security

We are committed to ensuring a reliable and sustainable supply of electricity for all South Africans. This includes investing in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power and reforming the electricity sector to ensure long-term security.

  • Continue to implement the Energy Action Plan]() to stabilise Eskom, bring an end to load shedding and achieve long-term energy security, including expediting the rollout of the Transmission Development Plan.
  • Put the building blocks in place to create a competitive electricity market.
  • Over time, this will allow multiple electricity generation entities to emerge and compete.
  • Mobilise private sector investment in our transmission network to connect more renewable energy to the grid.
The Energy Action Plan Independent Power Producer Procurement Programmes Necom

Transitioning to a low-carbon economy

Transitioning to a low-carbon economy

We are committed to reducing our carbon emissions and transitioning to a low-carbon economy. This includes investing in clean energy technologies, promoting energy efficiency and supporting green jobs. As we reform our energy system, we are continuing to build successful multilateral partnerships in the global effort to halt the devastating impact of climate change. 

  • Implement Just Energy Transition with $13 billion international funding and locally invested private funding.
  • Capitalise on renewable energy opportunities for inclusive growth – green manufacturing, renewable energy, electric vehicles and the digital economy.
  • Finalise a modernised and comprehensive industrial policy that drives economic growth, by focusing on the opportunities in localisation, diversification, digitisation and decarbonisation.
  • Support renewable energy projects.
  • Balance carbon reduction with economic needs and ensure that South Africa’s transition to a low-carbon economy supports communities and workers in Mpumalanga and other affected areas.
The Just Energy Transition Framework  The Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JET-IP) and Implementation Plan National Climate Change Response Policy

Bridging the digital divide

Bridging the digital divide

We are working to ensure that all South Africans have access to affordable and reliable internet. This includes investing in broadband infrastructure, promoting digital literacy and supporting the development of digital skills.

  • Transform gov.za platform for digital services
  • Invest in digital identity and payment systems.
  • Expand access to affordable broadband internet.
  • Increase digital skills training for young people..
South Africa Connect The National Broadband Policy Digital work accelerator