President Ramaphosa Affirms LGBTQI+ Rights in SONA

Delivering his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday, President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasised that South Africa must stay true to its values to navigate an increasingly uncertain world.

Speaking at the Cape Town City Hall, Ramaphosa warned that “fundamental shifts are underway” that will affect every aspect of human life.

“In the face of these challenges, we are witnessing the rise of nationalism and protectionism, the pursuit of narrow interests, and the decline of common cause,” said the president. “This is the world that we, as a developing economy, must now navigate.”

His comments come amid growing global tensions and shifts, including the US government’s withdrawal from international bodies such as the World Health Organization, a retreat from global climate change commitments, attacks on transgender rights, and the suspension of international aid programmes.

Recently inaugurated President Donald Trump has made it clear that his vision for America prioritises ruthless self-interest, regardless of the impact on other countries, its own democracy, or the international order.

In what appeared to be a response to these global developments, Ramaphosa declared, “We are a resilient people. We will not be bullied.” He stressed that South Africa’s success in turbulent times depends on “staying true to our values, harnessing our unique strengths and endowments, and forging a common purpose.”

Affirming Equality for LGBTQI+ South Africans

Ramaphosa highlighted the country’s core values, making it clear that these include equality for LGBTQI+ individuals.

“As South Africans, we stand for peace and justice, for equality and solidarity. We stand for non-racialism and democracy, for tolerance and compassion,” said Ramaphosa.

“We stand for equal rights for women, for persons with disabilities, and for members of the LGBTQI+ community. We stand for our shared humanity, not for the survival of the fittest,” he continued.

Advocacy Group Welcomes President’s Inclusion

South African LGBTQI+ advocacy group Iranti, which annually campaigns for the president to address LGBTQI+ issues in the SONA, welcomed Ramaphosa’s inclusive remarks.

“During the State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa affirmed that he stands with members of the LGBTQIA+ community,” said the organisation on social media platform X.

Iranti described the president’s words as a significant gesture, “as we witness a regression of LGBTQI+ rights and the growth of the anti-gender movement across the globe.”

The organisation urged Ramaphosa “to follow up on this commitment with concrete strategies and actions that will improve the lives of LGBTQIA+ people.”