Johannesburg, 26 March 2025 – In a significant showcase of national pride and unity, Brand South Africa has unveiled the insights from the 2024-25 State of the Nation Brand Report, highlighting a growing sense of identity and optimism among citizens. The report was presented during a special event held at Constitution Hill on 25 March 2025, in collaboration with the Mail & Guardian. This comprehensive study, grounded in the Domestic Perceptions Study, offers a detailed view of how South Africans perceive their country and collective future, focusing on three critical pillars: Social Cohesion, Active Citizenship, and National Pride.
The findings reveal a remarkable increase in the National Social Cohesion Index, which has risen to 65.7%, indicating notable progress in fostering an inclusive and cohesive society. "This is more than a data set — it’s a mirror into the soul of the nation," said Brand South Africa’s CEO Neville Matjie. He emphasized that the results reflect a deep pride among South Africans in their identity and collective achievements, even amidst challenges. "They are hopeful, even in the face of adversity, and committed to the idea that we are stronger together," Matjie added.
More than half of the respondents, 53%, identified their national identity as the most defining aspect of who they are, surpassing other identifiers such as race, gender, or culture. This sentiment is further reflected in the values expressed by nearly half of the participants, with 49% stating, "I’m an African," and a strong belief in the principle of Ubuntu, which signifies interconnectedness and community.
Public sentiment showcases an optimistic outlook on the country's future: 57% of those surveyed believe South Africa is on the right track, while 51% express trust in the Government of National Unity (GNU) to address significant national issues within the next five years. Additionally, 49% of respondents rate the GNU’s current performance positively. Although citizens acknowledge that the realization of this optimism is still evolving, the report indicates a hopeful trajectory for the nation.
As South Africa gears up to host the G20 Summit in November 2025, the insights from this report will play a crucial role in shaping the narrative of the country on the global stage. The findings resonate with the themes of democratic maturity, global moral leadership, and unity in diversity, reinforcing South Africa's commitment to these ideals.
In a related development, the 2025 BRICS+ Agriculture Investment & Trade Summit will take place from 27 to 29 March 2025 at the Durban International Convention Centre. Under the theme “Make Africa Great,” this summit aims to empower over 6 million smallholder farmers across the continent. The event will gather leaders from more than 25 countries, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Brazil, among others.
Notable participants include former South African President Jacob Zuma and former Chairperson of the African Union Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. The summit will feature moderated exhibitions, B2B and B2G negotiations, and an investment session aimed at fostering partnerships and mentorship initiatives to support women in agriculture. It is anticipated that the summit will lead to the signing of over 50 partnership agreements, significantly impacting agricultural investment in Africa.
As the nation focuses on agricultural empowerment, another pivotal event on the horizon is the 2025 Infrastructure Summit, scheduled to take place at the Sandton Convention Centre. This summit will bring together CEOs and leaders from the construction and financial sectors to explore strategies for transforming South Africa into a construction hub. Minister Dean Macpherson is set to deliver the keynote address, emphasizing the importance of public asset management and the role of public-private partnerships in driving economic growth.
Earlier this month, Macpherson announced plans to establish technical task teams in cities across South Africa to enhance public asset management, aiming to attract private sector investment for revitalizing public assets. He stated that the summit would focus on optimizing asset life cycles and ensuring equitable infrastructure investments, which are crucial for the country's economic development.
The 2025 Infrastructure Summit aims to address the pressing need for improved infrastructure, which is vital for supporting growth and job creation in South Africa. As the country navigates its path forward, the collective insights from these events highlight a commitment to unity, collaboration, and progress.
In conclusion, the insights from the State of the Nation Brand Report, combined with the upcoming BRICS+ Agriculture Investment & Trade Summit and the Infrastructure Summit, underscore a pivotal moment for South Africa. The nation is poised to leverage its diversity and collective strength to foster growth, resilience, and a brighter future for all its citizens.
