Opposition parties intensified their attacks on President Cyril Ramaphosa during the second day of the SONA debate in Cape Town. They highlighted persistent youth unemployment and escalating crime rates as evidence of failed leadership. The debate, held at the Nieuwmeester Dome, followed Ramaphosa's State of the Nation Address on 12 February 2026, where he pledged actions on these fronts.

Lawmakers from various parties expressed frustration over economic growth and municipal collapses. Meanwhile, recent statistics underscore the severity, with youth unemployment at 57% for ages 15-24.

Opposition Slams Ramaphosa's Record on Unemployment

EFF Chief Whip Nontando Nolutshungu directly compared Ramaphosa to former President Jacob Zuma. She argued that his eight years in office extended the "wasted nine years" under Zuma. Nolutshungu pointed to youth unemployment exceeding 50% and no annual economic growth above 3%.

She also noted only 41 of 257 municipalities received clean audits from the Auditor-General. This reflects widespread governance failures under the current administration. Such critiques echo broader concerns about economic stagnation in South Africa.

uMkhonto weSizwe Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela labeled Ramaphosa's speech a recital of "neoliberal clichés." He criticized the government for normalizing poverty and inequality. Ndhlela called for free, decolonized higher education as a right, not a slogan.

Crime and Policing Under Fire in SONA Debate

Inkatha Freedom Party's Les Govender addressed gang violence during the SONA debate on South Africa unemployment crime. He referenced the recent killing of a nine-month-old baby and two women. Govender urged swift action from the Madlanga Commission investigating criminal justice system flaws.

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde supported Ramaphosa's focus on crime but stressed lessons from the 2019 SANDF deployment. He explained that the previous effort lacked traction due to poor coordination. Winde advocated involving SAPS, military, metro police, and community forums for better results.

Winde also demanded filling SAPS vacancies nationwide. He stated police numbers dropped from 200,000 in 2019 to 180,000 currently. In the Western Cape, officers declined from 20,000 to 12,908.

Reactions from Parties and Leaders

Ndhlela denounced the Government of National Unity as a "coalition of convenience" tied to white monopoly capital. He pushed for lifestyle audits on judges to extend transparency beyond politicians. These statements highlight deep divisions in the SONA debate over South Africa unemployment crime.

Govender emphasized that citizens await decisive reforms to strengthen the criminal justice system. However, no immediate responses from Ramaphosa appeared during the session. The president will address the debate on 19 February 2026.

Industry voices, like Cosatu's Matthew Parks, have echoed these concerns outside parliament. Parks warned of a "ticking time bomb" with overall unemployment at 31.4% in Q4 2025, corroborated by Statistics South Africa. Youth rates remain critically high at 57%, according to Trading Economics and Daily Maverick reports.