Press Release: Oxfam South Africa Responds to SONA 2026 – Growth Must Reduce Inequality, Not Deepen It.

Oxfam South Africa welcomes the President’s emphasis on inclusive growth, job creation, anti-corruption reform, and tackling gender-based violence in this year’s State of the Nation Address (SONA). 

The acknowledgement that “we can only be strong when we are equal” reflects an important truth: inequality remains South Africa’s defining challenge. 

However, the real test of this SONA will not lie in its rhetoric, but in the budget allocations, legislative reforms, and implementation timelines that follow. 

Addressing Inequality Must Move from Principle to Policy and Action 

The President outlined economic recovery indicators, infrastructure investment exceeding R1 trillion, reforms in energy and logistics, and expanded support for small businesses and public employment programmes. These are important signals. 

Yet South Africa remains one of the most unequal societies in the world. Economic growth alone will not automatically reduce inequality unless it is accompanied by deliberate redistributive policies. 

Oxfam notes the absence of firm commitments on: 

• Progressive wealth taxation,
• Long-term income support such as a Universal Basic Income (UBI), and
• Structural reforms aimed specifically at narrowing wealth concentration. 

 As highlighted in Oxfam’s recent global inequality report presented during Davos, “Resisting the Rule of the Rich”, extreme wealth concentration undermines democracy, economic stability and social cohesion. After the launch of the first G20 report on Inequality by President Ramaphosa last year, we need to see domestic policy commitment: now is the time to act. 

Social Protection: A failed safety net 

Against the guarantee of universal access to social security contained in the Constitution, we believe that the state has failed the millions of poor working age adults because of its continued refusal to upgrade the R370 grant into a decent universal basic income, indexed to the Lower Bound Poverty Line at introduction. 

As the latest Poverty Trends report shows, poverty in South Africa remains widespread and deep-rooted with nearly 38 % of the population, around 23 million people, still living below the lower-bound poverty line. These figures illustrate that poverty is not confined to isolated communities or regions; it is pervasive across the country. In this context, targeted minimalist interventions alone will neither meet people’s needs nor stimulate the inclusive economic growth our society requires. 

Without a predictable and dignified income floor, millions remain vulnerable to hunger and economic shocks. 

The Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement presents an opportunity for concrete allocations to child nutrition, anti-stunting interventions, and broader social protection measures; one we hope will be seized. 

Gender-Based Violence: Political Recognition Must Translate into Resources 

Oxfam South Africa welcomes the continued classification of gender-based violence and femicide as a national disaster and the commitments to expand sexual offences courts, survivor-centred services, and social worker placements. 

However, meaningful progress depends on: 

• Dedicated and ring-fenced funding,
• Programs and projects to eradicate GBV and femicide
• Improved coordination across departments, and
• Accountability mechanisms that track case outcomes and conviction rates.

 Symbolic recognition must be matched with sustained fiscal commitment.

Climate Justice and a Just Energy Transition 

 The speech reaffirmed investment in renewable energy, green industrialisation, and the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan. 

Oxfam supports a transition that: 

• Creates decent green jobs, 
• Protects livelihoods in affected communities, 
• Prioritises the reduction of energy poverty, and 
• Centres the Care Economy. 

However, climate justice requires that women, small-scale farmers, and climate-vulnerable communities are at the centre of planning and benefit-sharing. 

As climate-related disasters intensify, including recent floods, adaptation finance and local resilience must receive equal priority alongside industrial green growth and mitigation efforts. 

A Global Action on inequality 

Oxfam welcomes South Africa’s continued advocacy within the G20 and the proposal to advance an International Panel on Inequality. As a country that carries the lived experience of extreme inequality, South Africa is uniquely positioned to lead globally, but this leadership must be mirrored in domestic policy. 

Looking Ahead 

SONA 2026 outlines an ambitious reform agenda. The coming months will determine whether this agenda: 

• Reduces inequality in measurable terms,
• Expands dignified and secure livelihoods,
• Strengthens protection for women and vulnerable communities, and
• Ensures that economic gains are just and shared  

 Oxfam South Africa, together with civil society and community partners, will engage constructively with government while holding firm to the principle that economic growth must translate into justice, equity, and tangible improvements in people’s lives. 

As the Budget Speech approaches, we will assess whether allocations and fiscal policy align with the commitments made tonight. 

South Africa has indeed “turned a corner.” The question now is whether this turning point leads toward a more equal society or merely a faster-growing unequal one. 

Ends 

 

Note to Editors 

As part of our SONA 2026 media engagement strategy, Oxfam South Africa is intentionally broadening its pool of spokespeople to include community-based partners and movement leaders. Where appropriate, we are able to facilitate interviews not only with Oxfam representatives, but also with partner organisations working directly with affected communities, in order to ensure grounded and diverse perspectives in public discourse. 

For media enquiries or interview requests, please contact: 

Amir Bagherioromi, Media & Campaigns Officer, Oxfam South Africa
Email: amir.bagherioromi@oxfam.org.za, WhatsApp: +27 (0)74 422 2647 

Bongani Maseko, Innovation and Communication Lead, Oxfam South Africa
Email: agile@oxfam.org.za, WhatsApp: +27 (0)61 545 9425