Enough Talk: IFP demands delivery, not drama, or Sona is just theatre
Sona 2026
The IFP made clear that it would not surrender its political identity in the name of coalition unity.
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THE Inkatha Freedom Party has thrown down the gauntlet to President Cyril Ramaphosa, calling for a State of the Nation Address (Sona) that moves beyond rhetoric and into hard, measurable action, particularly for South Africa’s long-neglected rural communities.
In a sharply worded statement issued on Wednesday, the IFP acknowledged modest gains over the past year but warned that critical failures in rural safety, youth employment, water security, and infrastructure could not be papered over with cautious optimism.
“We note modest improvements in the economy, including an uptick in quarterly GDP figures driven by a stabilising energy supply and improved export volumes,” the IFP said. “Additional positive indicators include South Africa’s removal from the grey list, relatively steady interest rates, and gradual economic recovery. Progress has also been observed in the upgrading of key national road corridors, including sections of the N2 and N3, as well as the rehabilitation of rural bridges in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.”
But the party made clear that these incremental steps were not nearly enough.
“While we acknowledge these early signs of progress and collaborative initiatives within the Government of National Unity (GNU), significant gaps remain, particularly in rural safety, economic growth, youth unemployment in rural areas, energy and infrastructure development, rural water security, as well as the persistent challenges of crime and Gender-Based Violence and Femicide,” the IFP said.
The party’s message to Ramaphosa is unequivocal: Rural South Africa will not wait another year. “During Sona, we expect the President to provide clear interventions to strengthen safety and security, including improved border management and decisive action against illegal immigration.
“The IFP maintains a firm position that undocumented foreign nationals must be deported, while supporting a fair and regulated migration system that prioritises individuals with scarce and critical skills.”
On economic relief, the IFP demanded concrete deliverables, not vague commitments. “The President must also present concrete measures to reduce youth unemployment, alleviate poverty, and address the rising cost of living. This includes meaningful support for small businesses, the promotion of rural industrialisation, and sustained investment in rural farmers and small-scale agriculture to unlock sustainable economic growth.”
Water scarcity in rural areas, the party warned, can no longer be treated as a secondary concern. “We expect firm commitments to expand water infrastructure — including pipelines, reservoirs and treatment facilities — alongside long-term drought mitigation strategies and climate resilience planning.”
The IFP also shifted its focus to the education and health sectors, demanding that rural learners and patients be given the same opportunities as their urban counterparts. In local government, the party welcomed the long-overdue review of the 1998 White Paper on Local Government — but stressed that this process must produce fundamental reform, not another layer of bureaucracy.
“Sona 2026 must demonstrate measurable progress on last year's commitments, particularly in rural safety, infrastructure development and water security. The President must present a clear implementation roadmap accompanied by firm timelines and measurable targets,” the IFP said.
With local government elections looming, the party made clear that it would not surrender its political identity in the name of coalition unity. “We remain dedicated to playing a constructive and principled role within the GNU, recognising the importance of stability ahead of the upcoming local government elections.
“At the same time, the IFP will maintain its distinct identity and remain steadfast in advancing its manifesto commitments to ensure that government prioritises the needs and aspirations of all South Africans.”