In a comprehensive address to Parliament during the Presidency Budget Vote on Tuesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa outlined an intensified government strategy targeting corruption, illegal immigration, the national water crisis and municipal dysfunction as central pillars of efforts to build a capable, developmental State.
President Ramaphosa emphasised that restoring public trust through strengthened law enforcement institutions remains a foundational priority. “We continue to rebuild and strengthen our law enforcement agencies, security services, National Prosecuting Authority and specialised anti-corruption bodies,” he stated.
Strengthening the Criminal Justice System
Government is awaiting the final report of the Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System, chaired by Judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga. The President noted that the commission’s forthcoming recommendations are expected to bolster the South African Police Service (SAPS) and enhance national efforts against corruption and organised crime.
Following the commission’s first interim report, a special task team jointly established by SAPS and the National Prosecuting Authority has already commenced prosecuting cases in court.
Reaffirming government’s zero-tolerance stance, President Ramaphosa declared: “We must be unequivocal: public office is a public trust. Those who abuse public resources for private gain betray the Constitution, undermine development and steal from the poor. There will be no tolerance for corruption, regardless of position, status or political affiliation.”
State Capture Implementation and Asset Recoveries
Significant progress has been recorded in implementing the State Capture Commission’s recommendations. “Of the 60 actions contained in our implementation plan, 80% are complete, substantially complete or on track,” the President reported. Asset recoveries linked to state capture investigations now exceed R17 billion.
To address systemic vulnerabilities exposed during state capture, ten new laws have been enacted, focusing on procurement reform, public service professionalisation and intelligence sector restructuring. Additionally, government has approved a draft amendment to the Protected Disclosures Act for public consultation. “This Bill aims to strengthen the protection of whistleblowers and is a vital pillar of our fight against corruption,” President Ramaphosa said.
Combating Gender-Based Violence and Femicide
President Ramaphosa highlighted continued government action against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), which was officially classified as a national disaster in November last year. Cabinet has approved a dedicated action plan with allocated resources to address the crisis. Prevention efforts prioritise promoting positive masculinity among boys and young men.
Migration Management and Border Integrity
Acknowledging public concern regarding illegal immigration and its effects on service delivery and employment, the President confirmed that government is implementing decisive measures announced in the State of the Nation Address. “We are cracking down on violations of immigration laws,” he said.
Key actions include intensified workplace inspections, prosecution of employers violating labour laws, enhanced border security operations and internal anti-corruption measures within the immigration system. President Ramaphosa simultaneously cautioned against xenophobia and vigilantism: “We must never give in to violence, xenophobia or vigilantism. We will strengthen and enforce our laws, while upholding the Constitution and the human dignity of all.”
National Response to the Water Crisis
Addressing South Africa’s escalating water challenges, President Ramaphosa announced the establishment of a National Water Crisis Committee to coordinate execution of the National Water Action Plan. “Drawing on our experience in ending load shedding, we have established the National Water Crisis Committee,” he explained.
The committee will manage both immediate emergency interventions and structural reforms to improve water governance and service delivery. In the short term, national government will directly intervene in municipalities experiencing acute water failures, utilising existing constitutional and legislative authorities.
Municipalities will also be mandated to ring-fence water revenue, ensuring that income from water services is reinvested specifically into infrastructure maintenance and system upgrades.
Revitalising Local Government
Fixing local government was identified as one of the administration’s most urgent priorities. “The true test of government is not what happens at the Union Buildings or in the Houses of Parliament. The true test is whether water flows from a tap, whether a streetlight works, whether refuse is collected, whether a road is maintained and whether a community feels safe,” President Ramaphosa asserted.
He noted that poor municipal performance is constraining economic growth and deterring investment: “If the conditions for investment in our cities and towns are unfavourable, if there is a lack of electricity or water or poorly managed infrastructure, investors simply take their business elsewhere.”
To support turnaround efforts, government is advancing reforms under the revised White Paper on Local Government and has expanded collaborative working groups in major metros, including eThekwini and Johannesburg.
Youth Employment and National Engagement
President Ramaphosa announced an expansion of youth employment initiatives, including the National Youth Service, which will create 100,000 community service placements in the current financial year.
As reform implementation advances, the President invited all South Africans to participate in the next phase of the National Dialogue process, with pilot engagements scheduled between June and August. “I call on all South Africans to come together once more and be part of crafting a new vision for South Africa,” he said.
Concluding his address, President Ramaphosa reiterated that government must maintain focus on service delivery improvement, job creation, corruption eradication and democratic institution strengthening. “Work must now continue in earnest. Let us not allow ourselves to be deterred by distractions or political intrigue,” he said.