SOUTH AFRICA, Johannesburg, 07 February 2025 – President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address provided a clear focus on critical reforms needed to bolster South Africa’s economy. His emphasis on improving local government operations and addressing water system challenges is encouraging, as effective service delivery is essential for economic growth. The ringfencing of revenue for essential services such as water and electricity is a welcome step.

NADA also supports the President’s call for increased infrastructure investment and greater private sector involvement in rail and port operations. These initiatives will be vital for long-term economic stability. However, we remain mindful of the importance of balancing these ambitions with responsible fiscal management to avoid placing additional strain on an already pressured economy and its citizens.

We are encouraged by progress on professionalising the public sector and reducing visa backlogs, which will help businesses access much-needed skills. Swift and effective implementation of these reforms is crucial to delivering meaningful outcomes for the automotive sector and the wider economy.

NADA is a proud association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI).