On 12 February, President Cyril Ramaphosa outlined an ambitious programme aimed at strengthening local communities, tackling poverty and improving service delivery, placing issues such as social relief, water access, housing and job creation at the heart of his 2026 State of the Nation Address in Cape Town.
Ramaphosa acknowledged that while the economy is showing signs of recovery, many South Africans are still struggling with unemployment, rising living costs and failing municipal services.
Social Relief Grant to continue
A key announcement was the continuation of the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant. Introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the grant has supported millions of unemployed South Africans. Ramaphosa said the SRD grant will not only continue but will be redesigned to better connect beneficiaries to livelihoods, skills development and work opportunities.
“This grant has kept millions out of food poverty. For many families in townships and rural areas, where job opportunities remain scarce, this commitment offers a measure of stability,” he said.
Water crisis: National intervention announced
Water shortages, specifically in Gauteng and other center, were described as a pressing crisis affecting communities daily. Ramaphosa announced the establishment of a National Water Crisis Committee, which he will personally chair, to coordinate urgent interventions.
Ramaphos said: “Government has committed more than R156 billion over the next three years for water and sanitation infrastructure, including dam construction and upgrades. Municipalities failing to meet their obligations could face direct intervention, with legal action already initiated against dozens of local authorities.”
He added that for residents who have endured dry taps and unreliable supply, the focus on accountability and infrastructure renewal signals a tougher stance on municipal mismanagement.
Jobs and Youth Employment
Unemployment remains one of the biggest concerns for communities. Government plans to expand public employment programmes such as the Presidential Employment Stimulus and the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), targeting young people and women.
According to Ramaphosa, over 2.5 million opportunities have already been created through employment stimulus programmes, with further expansion planned this year. Support for small and medium enterprises will also be scaled up, with more than R2.5 billion in funding earmarked for over 180,000 businesses – many of them youth- and women-owned.
“If every small business hired just one more person, we would create three million jobs,” he added.
Housing and urban renewal
In a shift from traditional housing delivery models, government will introduce a new subsidy system that supports ownership and rental in well-located areas, rather than simply building houses on the outskirts of cities.
The President also confirmed continued funding for land restitution projects, including further development in District Six, with R500 million allocated for Phase 4 construction. Improving commuter rail and expanding affordable housing are expected to ease transport costs for working-class families who travel long distances to jobs and services.
Tackling child poverty and stunting
Ramaphosa announced a national mission to end child stunting by 2030, focusing on nutrition during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life. Targeted interventions will support pregnant women and young children, building on the Child Support Grant.
With more than a quarter of children under five affected by stunting, the initiative directly targets long-term inequality and educational outcomes in disadvantaged communities.
Crime and community safety
Organised crime, gang violence and corruption – was identified as a major threat to communities and economic growth. The South African National Defence Force will be deployed to support police in gang-affected areas in the Western Cape and Gauteng.
Government also plans to recruit 5,500 additional police officers this year and strengthen anti-corruption measures across law enforcement agencies.
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