State of the Nation 2025

The implementation of the EWC Bill has raised concerns in the U.S., prompting Trump to express his administration’s views on minority rights and human rights violations related to land confiscation via social media. The immediate suspension of U.S. aid will significantly impact South Africa’s AIDS programs, especially funds under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which will be paused for at least 90 days.

This development has sparked diplomatic tensions between Washington and Pretoria. While Ramaphosa maintains that the EWC Act does not fundamentally alter the provisions of Article 25 of the South African Constitution, the U.S. argues that the term “nil compensation” undermines property rights, a critical component of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) agreement, in which South Africa participates. The vague definition of “property” in the EWC Act raises further concerns about potential misuse in the future.

The diplomatic standoff worsened when Elon Musk, responding to Trump’s remarks on the platform “X,” questioned Ramaphosa about South Africa’s 30% Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) requirement for Starlink to secure an operating license. Additionally, Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, announced he would not attend the G20 summit in November 2025, citing ongoing concerns related to the EWC Act. SpaceX, parent company of Starlink, also withdrew from ICASA satellite hearings, further highlighting the strained relations.

In light of these significant diplomatic challenges, many are looking forward to President Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) for clarity on these pressing issues. Topics expected to be covered include funding constraints for the AIDS program due to the suspension of U.S. aid, South Africa’s trade relationships with the U.S., and participation in the AGOA agreement.

It is anticipated that Ramaphosa will address the “EWC elephant in the room” by affirming that South Africa is a constitutional democracy grounded in legal principles established in the Constitution. He is likely to reiterate that South Africa is a sovereign nation capable of addressing its challenges independently of foreign interference.

While we may not expect a detailed discussion on ownership laws and minority rights in the public address, it is plausible that these matters will be resolved through official diplomatic channels rather than in the public sphere. Considering how the Trump administration has engaged with other nations on similar issues, it is conceivable that these discussions will unfold transparently and in “public view”.

As South Africa navigates these diplomatic waters, there is hope for a calm resolution to the current tensions. By adopting a measured approach, the nation can work towards maintaining positive relationships and fostering economic growth, despite the challenges ahead.