South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has pledged that his administration will focus on tackling poverty, unemployment and inequality, as well as continue its fight against the COVID-19 pademic going into the year.

Ramaphosa made the pledge as part of his State of the Nation Address on Thursday, which was delivered in the Chamber of the National Assembly instead of the conventional Parliament Buildings due to the fire incident there earlier this year.

"We are rebuilding the state and restoring trust and pride in public institutions," he said.

"If there is one thing we all agree on, it is that the present situation – of deep poverty, unemployment and inequality – is unacceptable and unsustainable."

The president acknowledged that reforms were needed to revive South Africa's economic growth.

He noted that there is a need to address the COVID-19 pandemic, which continues to ravage the country like other regions globally, in order to create conditions for long-lasting stability and development.

Ramaphosa called for consensus from all stakeholders to address the challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality.

He said the government was working together with labour, business and communities to determine the actions to be taken to build consensus.

The president gave a 100-day period to put the country on an agreed path to economic growth.

"We have given ourselves 100 days to finalise a comprehensive social compact to grow our economy, create jobs and combat hunger," he said.

"This work will build on the foundation of the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, which remains our common program to rebuild the economy."