President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered his New Year's message on Wednesday, emphasizing that rooting out corruption remains the government's top priority. He highlighted recoveries of billions in stolen funds and breakthroughs against various crimes. Ramaphosa also pledged full implementation of the Madlanga Commission's recommendations to reform law enforcement.
President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation in his New Year's message on Wednesday afternoon, December 31, 2025, underscoring the government's commitment to combating corruption. He stated that rooting out corruption is the overriding priority, with the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) recovering billions of stolen money. Ramaphosa noted, “Specialised task teams have made breakthroughs against illegal mining, kidnapping, economic infrastructure crimes and construction site extortion.”
The president also reflected on South Africa's enhanced global standing following the successful hosting of the G20 Summit. He said the G20 Presidency ensured that Africa’s voice and the Global South are recognized, with the Leaders’ Declaration addressing inclusive economic growth, debt sustainability, climate action, food security, and reforms to global financial institutions.
On the economy, Ramaphosa reported positive developments: inflation has eased, the cost of living is decreasing, and the rand has strengthened. For the first time in nearly two decades, South Africa’s sovereign credit rating has been upgraded, enabling lower-cost funding for infrastructure and social development. He added that the structural transformation programme initiated five years ago is showing progress.
Additionally, Ramaphosa assured that the recommendations of the Madlanga Commission, established earlier in 2025 to probe interference in police operations by politicians and criminal syndicates, will be fully implemented. This, he said, will restore faith in police integrity. “We are determined to continue to take decisive steps to clean up our law enforcement agencies. The recommendations of the Madlanga Commission will be implemented to enhance the reforms that are needed to reposition our police service and other law enforcement agencies,” Ramaphosa declared.
