IN CONVERSATION WITH MABINE SEABE,NATIONAL COMMUNICATION DIRECTOR
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In the aftermath of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2026 State of the Nation
Address (SONA), political parties have begun responding not only to what
was said, but to what they believe is still missing: real accountability, real
prosecutions, and real consequences for those accused of undermining the
state.
RISE Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi delivered remarks during the SONA debate,
focusing strongly on what he describes as the rot inside public institutions,
especially within law enforcement and local government.
A key focus of Zibi’s remarks is the Madlanga Commission, which he says
has been important because it has allowed the public to hear allegations under
oath, and to understand the scale of dysfunction and alleged sabotage inside
the state.
Zibi argues that what is emerging through the Commission is not simply
corruption or incompetence — but something far more serious: conduct that
09:15
amounts to treason, because it undermines the safety of citizens and the rule of
law.
He further points to a deep crisis of trust: many South Africans are
increasingly afraid to report crime because they believe law enforcement has
been compromised — which is why he supports the call for re-vetting senior
ranks of law enforcement.
However, Zibi’s sharpest criticism is aimed at the lack of visible
consequences. He says South Africans want to see people in court, fired,
prosecuted, and “in orange overalls.” In other words: accountability must
move from commissions and speeches into arrests, prosecutions and
sentencing.
Beyond law enforcement, Zibi also highlights local government as one of the
biggest threats to economic recovery. He argues that corruption,
mismanagement, and collapsing basic services at municipal level are
strangling investment — because businesses cannot operate without stable
water, electricity, roads, and functioning infrastructure.
He calls for decisive intervention, including placing underperforming
municipalities under administration, and he also raises an important fiscal
point: that South Africa’s budget composition is unsustainable, with too little
spent on long-term capital investment in key sectors like health and education.
Ultimately, Zibi’s message is that the country is at a point where “to govern is
to choose” — and political leaders must make hard decisions and prioritise
outcomes, not promises.
Address (SONA), political parties have begun responding not only to what
was said, but to what they believe is still missing: real accountability, real
prosecutions, and real consequences for those accused of undermining the
state.
RISE Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi delivered remarks during the SONA debate,
focusing strongly on what he describes as the rot inside public institutions,
especially within law enforcement and local government.
A key focus of Zibi’s remarks is the Madlanga Commission, which he says
has been important because it has allowed the public to hear allegations under
oath, and to understand the scale of dysfunction and alleged sabotage inside
the state.
Zibi argues that what is emerging through the Commission is not simply
corruption or incompetence — but something far more serious: conduct that
09:15
amounts to treason, because it undermines the safety of citizens and the rule of
law.
He further points to a deep crisis of trust: many South Africans are
increasingly afraid to report crime because they believe law enforcement has
been compromised — which is why he supports the call for re-vetting senior
ranks of law enforcement.
However, Zibi’s sharpest criticism is aimed at the lack of visible
consequences. He says South Africans want to see people in court, fired,
prosecuted, and “in orange overalls.” In other words: accountability must
move from commissions and speeches into arrests, prosecutions and
sentencing.
Beyond law enforcement, Zibi also highlights local government as one of the
biggest threats to economic recovery. He argues that corruption,
mismanagement, and collapsing basic services at municipal level are
strangling investment — because businesses cannot operate without stable
water, electricity, roads, and functioning infrastructure.
He calls for decisive intervention, including placing underperforming
municipalities under administration, and he also raises an important fiscal
point: that South Africa’s budget composition is unsustainable, with too little
spent on long-term capital investment in key sectors like health and education.
Ultimately, Zibi’s message is that the country is at a point where “to govern is
to choose” — and political leaders must make hard decisions and prioritise
outcomes, not promises.
