Category: South Africa Government

As anticipation builds ahead of the State of the Nation Address (SONA), leaders from government, the science industry, media and business gathered at NASDAK in Cape Town for a pre-SONA media networking session that placed storytelling, social cohesion and national branding firmly in the spotlight. 

Framed around the theme: “Post-pandemic and elections: Media, social cohesion and national branding”, the panel discussion brought together Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Acting Director-General Nomonde Mnukwa; Managing Director of the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), Pontsho Maruping; Chief Financial Officer at Kagiso Tiso Holdings, Tshepo Setshedi, and Managing Director of East Coast Radio, Mzuvele Mthethwa.

At the heart of the conversation was the pressing question: how can media help unite South Africans in a time marked by global uncertainty, rapid digital transformation and the aftershocks of both the pandemic and recent elections?

Media as a driver of social cohesion

Setting the tone of the engagement on Wednesday, Mnukwa underscored the powerful and regulated space in which South Africa’s media operates.

“When you look at the South African landscape, broadcasting and media occupy a significant space. We operate in a regulated environment, where we observe free speech and access to information, while ensuring balance, fairness and accountability.” 

She highlighted how media can promote shared interests across race and geography, drawing on examples such as the “KZN Unite” campaign during the unrest in KwaZulu-Natal. Competing media houses aligned their messaging to focus on verified information and collective identity during the national crisis.

Similarly, during times of disaster and relief efforts, trusted platforms helped convert emotional responses into democratic participation, mobilising citizens across racial and social lines to contribute towards recovery efforts.

“These are examples of social capital and trust. Where there are events addressing common interests, media and government must come together to ensure social cohesion,” Mnukwa said.

Learning from science: Evidence, verification and trust

Bringing a scientific lens to the discussion, Maruping explained how the methods of science, hypothesis, testing, peer review and correction offer valuable lessons for media credibility.

“In science, you start with a hypothesis, you test it, you invite peer review and, if necessary, you correct it before presenting your findings.

“There’s a level of convergence with how people should trust media. Transparency about sources, evidence and verification builds confidence,” she said. 

She argued that increasing transparency around how stories are verified, and allowing space for differing views grounded in evidence can strengthen public trust in journalism.

Maruping also made a passionate call for greater visibility of South African scientific excellence. From groundbreaking radio astronomy discoveries to advanced predictive election models developed by local scientists, she said the country’s innovation is often underreported domestically, even when it makes international front pages.

“I want South Africans to read about those stories and understand what they mean. If we can build the most sensitive radio telescope receivers in the world, what else can we do?” 

Maruping said science can also play a vital role in combating misinformation by providing verifiable, non-political evidence to counter false claims.

Confronting misinformation in the digital age 

The rise of social media and the speed at which misinformation spreads featured prominently in the discussion.

Mthethwa stressed that credible media houses cannot afford to be absent in digital spaces.

“Our job is to be present, driving the narrative that media can be credible and trusted. Accuracy is more important than speed. It’s not about breaking news first; it’s about breaking news that is accurate and truthful,” he said.

He called for stronger user education to help the public identify fake pages and unverified sources, while also urging commitment to ethical journalism and accountability across the industry. 

Mnukwa reinforced the legal implications of spreading false information, reminding the audience that under the Cybercrimes Act, spreading misinformation is a criminal offence.

“Before you puff and pass, ask yourself: Is it true? Does it cause reputational damage?” she said, encouraging attendees to use their personal networks to raise awareness about responsible information sharing.

Mthethwa further proposed proactive measures such as incorporating social media literacy into school curricula to equip young people with the skills to navigate both the benefits and dangers of digital platforms.

Nation branding and patriotic storytelling

A significant portion of the conversation focused on South Africa’s national brand and the role media plays in shaping it.

Mnukwa outlined government’s recently approved Nation Brand Repositioning Strategy, describing it as a collective effort that requires participation from all South Africans.

“We have a country that belongs to all of us. It is the future of our children and the next generations, and therefore, it needs to be protected and preserved,” she said.

She urged citizens to differentiate between legitimate criticism of government and pride in the country itself.

“We compete as nations in Africa, in the global South and globally. We need to be proud of ourselves,” she said, noting that South Africa is globally recognised for its landscapes and democratic values, yet often underestimates its own strengths.

Nation branding, she added, is not merely a government communication exercise, but a platform to promote inclusivity, explain policy choices and foster patriotism grounded in democratic participation.

Setshedi emphasised the importance of cross-sector partnerships in strengthening democratic resilience. Reflecting on collaboration during COVID-19, he noted how media and government worked together to share life-saving information clearly and consistently.

Such partnerships, he suggested, will be equally important in ensuring smooth and credible electoral processes in future.

Storytelling as a unifying force

In closing remarks, panellists returned to a central theme: storytelling.

Maruping urged the media to “figure out how to tell good stories” and to be confident that audiences want to hear about progress, innovation and achievement.

Mthethwa described radio as “the original social media”, highlighting its long-standing role in fostering connection, conversation and community are values that remain critical in a fragmented digital age.

Mnukwa concluded with a call for stronger relationships between media, government, science and business to develop solutions that position South Africa as a world leader.

“I do believe that solutions will come from South Africa, as always,” she said.

As the country looks forward to SONA, the NASDAK discussion served as a timely reminder that beyond policy pronouncements and political debate, the power of narrative grounded in evidence, ethics and national pride remains central to building a cohesive and confident South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za

Deputy Minister in The Presidency Kenny Morolong has called on media practitioners and government communicators to uphold ethical, fact-based reporting in the build up to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA). 

Speaking at a media networking session on the eve of SONA, Morolong described the media as central to safeguarding democracy and strengthening social cohesion.

“As we gather here, we do so not merely as professionals but as custodians of our democracy, as architects of social cohesion and as stewards of our nation brand,” he said on Wednesday in Cape Town.

He noted that this year’s engagement takes place at a significant moment in the country’s democratic journey, marking 30 years of the Constitution, 25 years of democratic local government, and looking ahead to the 2026 Local Government Elections.

“These are not mere anniversaries. They are testament to the resilience of our democracy and the enduring power of a constitutional vision,” Morolong said.

Reflecting on the past three decades, the Deputy Minister acknowledged both progress and challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2024 General Elections, which he said tested not only the country’s health systems and economy, but also its communication systems and social cohesion.

“The 2024 elections marked a significant chapter in our democratic journey. It demonstrated the resilience of our democracy and the maturity of our political discourse. It also highlighted something profound — the critical role that public communication plays in facilitating democratic participation, in fostering informed debate and holding all those in power to account,” he said. 

Morolong emphasised that in a diverse society such as South Africa, the media carries a unique responsibility.

“In a nation as diverse and beautiful as ours, media is not just a conveyor of information. It is a mirror that reflects who we are and the window that shows us what we can become,” the Deputy Minister said. 

He urged media platforms to amplify diverse voices, challenge stereotypes, counter divisive narratives and foster a shared national identity, while maintaining robust debate that strengthens, rather than weakens, social bonds.

Addressing the role of digital platforms, Morolong described social media as “the double-edged sword of our lifetime.

“How do we ensure that the pursuit of likes, shares and followers does not come at the expense of the truth, accuracy and responsible communication? How do we harness the reach of influencers for nation building, while maintaining standards of credible information dissemination?” he asked.

He stressed that nation branding must be rooted in authenticity.

“Nation branding is not about creating false narratives and glossing over our challenges. It is about authentic storytelling that presents the full picture of who we are as a nation.”

Morolong warned of “deliberate attempts to damage South Africa’s international reputation” through false narratives and distorted representations, including exaggerated claims about violence and instability.

“These fabricated narratives, whether about widespread violence, alleged systematic persecution or grossly exaggerated accounts of crime and instability, have real consequences. They deter investment, undermine international confidence and most painfully, they erode the pride and hope of our citizens.” 

Morolong commended South African media practitioners for defending the country’s image through “rigorous fact checking and evidence-based reporting”. He described such work as “patriotism at its finest, not blind loyalty that ignores problems, but informed advocacy that defends truth while working to address genuine, systematic challenges”.

Looking ahead to the 2026 Local Government Elections, Morolong said local government remains the sphere where citizens most directly experience governance. He called for strengthened communication capacity at municipal level, support for community media, and improved media literacy to combat misinformation, particularly around electoral processes.

On the relationship between government and the media, Morolong said it should be neither adversarial nor compliant, but built on mutual respect, shared commitment to the truth and “recognition of our complementary roles in serving the public interest”. 

As President Ramaphosa is set to outline government’s programme of action in SONA, Morolong said effective communication will be key to ensuring that it resonates with the lived realities of citizens.

“Let us commit to fact-based reporting and communication that builds public trust, inclusive storytelling that reflects the full diversity of our nation, ethical use of digital platforms that prioritises truth over virality, constructive engagement between media and government that serve the public trust. 

“Our 30-year-old Constitution gave us the framework [and] our 25-year-old democratic local government brought governance closer to the people. Now, as we prepare for another round of Local Government Elections, we must ensure that our media landscape supports informed participation and strengthens the bonds of community,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni has called for accelerated industrialisation as the most decisive intervention to address South Africa’s persistently high youth unemployment rate, warning that without a focused reindustrialisation strategy, young people will continue to bear the brunt of economic stagnation.

Delivering the keynote address at the South African Youth Economic Council (SAYEC) 4th Annual Mining Indaba Business Dialogue in Cape Town on Wednesday evening, Ndabeni placed industrial growth at the centre of the country’s economic recovery agenda, particularly within the manufacturing, energy, and technology sectors.

“Unemployment is highest among younger age groups, particularly those entering the labour market for the first time. It is an uncomfortable truth and an untenable situation for our young people,” Ndabeni said.

Ndabeni pointed to countries outside South Africa as examples, noting that they have successfully reduced youth unemployment by expanding their industrial base.

“Looking outside of our country, nations that have successfully decreased youth unemployment have done so by expanding their industries, particularly in the manufacturing, energy, and technology sectors, which attract young people on a large scale, and many are embarking on the 24-hour shift.

“The decline of the industry in South Africa has severely impacted young people, resulting in diminished opportunities for stable, skills-based employment for young people. This decline requires sector specific industrialisation targets,” the Minister said.

Ndabeni also noted that in the early 1990s, manufacturing accounted for more than 22% of South Africa’s GDP. Today, she said that figure stands at approximately 12.8 – 13%.

She said employment within the sector has also plummeted, with jobs declining from over 2.1 million in 2008, to an estimated 1.6 to 1.7 million by 2024.

“Each percentage decrease in manufacturing output equates to thousands of lost or unrealised job opportunities, particularly for young individuals seeking their first employment,” Ndabeni said.

She stressed that social support programmes alone cannot resolve the unemployment crisis.

“Without a strategy of reindustrialisation, youth unemployment is likely to remain persistently high, regardless of the effectiveness of existing social programmes.”

Sector-specific targets and funding reform

Ndabeni said government is now shifting toward sector-specific industrialisation targets to reverse the decline.

She said her department is designing funding instruments aligned with sector forecasts to better support emerging industries and small businesses operating within high-growth value chains.

“That is why even my portfolio is designing funding instruments that are sector-forecast driven.” 

She emphasised the need for “real talk” engagement within the manufacturing sector and broader industrial ecosystem to accelerate implementation.

“We must no longer debate whether industrialisation, beneficiation and inclusive ownership are necessary. The task before us now is implementation, speed of execution and the discipline to get things done quickly and efficiently.

“This will quickly set us on a path of building an inclusive industrial economy, while addressing the stubborn challenge of unemployment,” the Minister said.

Beneficiation and energy security

The Minister linked reindustrialisation to the Mining Indaba’s sub-theme: “Building South Africa’s industrial economy, driving energy security, advancing critical minerals beneficiation and ensuring inclusive ownership”.

She argued that beneficiation of critical minerals presents a strategic opportunity to move South Africa up the value chain rather than remaining primarily a raw material exporter.

“If we industrialise effectively, we can build local manufacturing capacity around our mineral wealth, create downstream industries and unlock large-scale employment.” 

Energy security, the Minister said, remains a foundational pillar of any industrial expansion strategy, backed by reliable energy supply to support 24-hour manufacturing operations and restore investor confidence.

Ndabeni also called for urgent reforms to reduce red tape and reduce turnaround times for permits, licences, and access to funding.

She said faster decision-making and coordinated implementation across departments will determine whether industrial policy translates into tangible outcomes.

The Mining Indaba Business Dialogue is SAYEC’s flagship convening platform and forms part of engagements aligned to the Mining Indaba programme, placing young people at the centre of discussions on ownership, enterprise participation, and long-term sector transformation.

The dialogue brought together government, industry leaders, investors, and young people to engage on South Africa’s mining, oil, and gas sectors as key enablers of industrialisation, beneficiation, investment mobilisation, and inclusive economic growth. – SAnews.gov.za

The Cape Town City Hall stage is set, the final preparations are underway and the parliamentary gears are turning with one moment in sight: President Cyril Ramaphosa stepping up to the podium to deliver the State of the Nation Address (SONA) tonight.

The agenda-setting address will be held from 7pm tonight.

The event is held in terms of Section 42(5) of the Constitution and is a Joint Sitting of both the National Council of Provinces and the National Assembly.

“The State of the Nation Address (SONA) is an annual overview delivered by the President to mobilise all sectors of society to secure ongoing development in the country.

“The Joint Sitting provides an opportunity for the President to reflect on progress made, highlight key achievements, flag challenges, and outline government’s policy direction and programme of action for the year ahead,” the Presidency said.

The President is expected to highlight government’s priorities for the upcoming year.

“During SONA 2026, President Ramaphosa will outline interventions for the coming financial year, deliberating on South Africa’s domestic priorities, as well as the country’s continental and international relations.

“The State of the Nation Address remains an important national milestone, reinforcing the strength and resilience of South Africa’s constitutional democratic system,” the Presidency said.

SONA will be held at the Cape Town’s City Hall which sits adjacent to the Grand Parade – the site where former President Nelson Mandela first appeared after spending some 27 years in prison.

Members of Parliament, former Presidents, former presiding officers, members of the judiciary, among others, have been invited to the address.

Briefing the media this week, Parliament Secretary, Xolile George, revealed that the budget for SONA 2026 stands at just over R7 million.

“Largely, it’s driven by cost of hiring equipment that covers all the broadcasting and all costs around ensuring that our ICT infrastructure is fit for purpose. Those are consistent drivers of the costs. The city hall is not costing us a lot of money. 

“Last year we budget R15.5 million and we spent R12.3 million. Equipment alone was R9.1 million. Last year we had the component of hiring the ICC… a lot of our guests were host at ICC. This year, we have a marquee and that cost driver is taken up by Public Works.

“We are aiming to significantly reduce the costs of hosting SONA,” George said.

A moment to account

In a media briefing yesterday, National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza explained that the SONA represents the formal opening of Parliament’s programme for the year.

“SONA…provides the anchor around which oversight, lawmaking, budget scrutiny and public participation are organised.

“It is the moment when the President accounts to the nation on progress made. He outlines priorities for the year and presents government’s programme of action. These commitments become the benchmark against which parliament measures executive performance…during the year,” Didiza explained.

Reflecting on the importance of the occasion, the speaker described SONA as more than a “ceremonial occasion”.

“It is a reaffirmation of the Parliamentary constitutional mandate to hold the executive to account, to legislate in the public interest, to facilitate meaningful public participation and to serve as platform for national dialogue.

“We want to assure South Africans that Parliament is operationally ready, institutionally focused and firmly committed to ensure that this State of the Nation Address sets the tone for a year of intensified oversight, responsive lawmaking and tangible delivery,” she said.

The SONA will be streamed live on the Presidency and Parliament social media channels, on television and on radio. – SAnews.gov.za

Correctional Services Deputy Minister Lindiwe Ntshalintshali says the opening of the Nelson Mandela Rules Training Academy at Drakenstein Correctional Facility is both a historic milestone and a powerful reminder of the country’s journey since 11 February 1990.

Ntshalintshali spoke to SAnews on Wednesday following the official opening of the academy by President Cyril Ramaphosa. She described the day as deeply significant for the Department of Correctional Services and the nation.

“Today, we started at the Mandela Museum House, where [Mandela] was [taken to] before his actual release, and we walked down memory lane, and our current President was part of the team of the release committee, which was negotiating with Madiba preparing for his final release,” Ntshalintshali said.

She said being at the historic house was a moving experience, particularly witnessing President Ramaphosa reflect on his own role during the negotiations that preceded Madiba’s release.

READ | New Nelson Mandela Rules Academy signals shift toward humanised corrections

“… This day, 11 February, is very significant,” she said of the day when President Nelson Mandela was released from prison.

Ntshalintshali welcomed the President’s emphasis on preserving the site as a living heritage space to make sure that the heritage site is kept alive and it attracts people, who will in turn learn a great deal about the country’s history.

Following the visit to the museum house, the delegation proceeded to the correctional facility, where a plaque was unveiled and the Nelson Mandela Rules Training Academy was officially opened. 

Ntshalintshali said it was an honour for the Department of Correctional Services to play its part in the preservation of South Africa’s history. She said the President’s acknowledgement of correctional officials’ work under challenging and often dangerous conditions was particularly meaningful.

Reflecting on the symbolic weight of the day, Ntshalintshali said the President’s remarks during the formal launch took those in attendance  on a journey from 1990 to the present. 

“… [The past] 36 years… have changed South Africa drastically,” she said, reflecting on how the social and economic landscape has changed.

Ntshalintshali used the occasion to call on South Africans not to forget the sacrifices that shaped the country’s democracy.

“I’m calling on all South Africans to say, ‘You dare not fail’ (sic). We are a product of a struggle. Never forget where you come from and never forget what shaped and moulded you,” she said.

Turning to the role of Correctional Services, Ntshalintshali stressed that incarceration should never mean abandonment.

She said the Nelson Mandela Rules Training Academy will be pivotal in demonstrating the power of second chances. She appealed to families and communities to embrace rehabilitation and reintegration.

“Correctional Services is about community corrections, and corrections is a societal matter. Once [inmates] have served their time, they must be rehabilitated and reintegrated [into] their communities,” she said.

Ntshalintshali highlighted that much of the work showcased at the academy – from tiling and electrical work, to landscaping and furniture-making – was completed by inmates under the guidance of departmental artisans.

“We are proud to say we are rehabilitating our people… We’re saying everybody has a second chance in life,” she told SAnews.

The Nelson Mandela Rules Training Academy is expected to strengthen training and rehabilitation efforts within Correctional Services, anchored in the values of dignity, restoration and second chances that defined Madiba’s legacy. – SAnews.gov.za

Exactly 36 years after President Nelson Mandela walked out of prison and into the pages of history, President Cyril Ramaphosa returned to the very grounds where that decisive moment unfolded, reaffirming South Africa’s commitment to justice anchored in human dignity.

Before the formalities began on Wednesday morning at Drakenstein Correctional Facility — where President Cyril Ramaphosa officially opened the Nelson Mandela Rules Training Academy — the First Citizen made a deeply personal pilgrimage to the Madiba House, the residence that housed Nelson Mandela during the final years of his imprisonment. 

It was here, on the grounds formerly known as Victor Verster Prison, that the world waited with bated breath for a man whose freedom would signal the dawn of democracy.

Standing within the same gates where the eyes of the world once converged, President Ramaphosa reflected on the anticipation, fear and hope that defined that moment.

“Leading up to this release, we were all in a moment of great excitement that our struggle was reaching a point of inflection, and with the release of the prisoners, we knew that a new era was opening up, a new opportunity was coming about, which would enable us to launch even much more positive and powerful phases of the struggle,” the President said. 

Later in the morning, the President officially opened the Nelson Mandela Rules Training Academy — the first of its kind on the African continent. He described the moment as both deeply personal and nationally significant.

“Thirty-six years ago – almost to the day – the eyes of the world were fixed on the gates just beyond where we stand now. They were waiting for the moment one man would walk out of the gates of history, and into legend.

“At around four-fifteen pm local time, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, with Winnie Madikizela-Mandela beside him, walked out of the gates into the massive crowd that had gathered to greet him,” the President said during his speech. 

For President Ramaphosa, the memory is not distant history — it is lived experience. He spoke candidly of both inspiration and fear.

“This is a historic moment. It’s very moving for me, having been here to watch history unfolding. It was watching a legend move out of this place that had incarcerated him and kept him, and like a bird, Madiba could not be caged. He had to fly out,” he said. 

He also shared the lesser-known anxiety that accompanied that moment of triumph — the fear for Mandela’s safety.

“The only trepidation that I had, together with others, was his safety, because we knew that we didn’t want him to be under the safety protection of the apartheid regime. We feared that they would kill him… and so we wanted to have a separation with regards to the safety of this man, who was going to lead the nation,” the President said. 

In a remarkable recollection, the President revealed that he and Reverend Mkhatshwa even travelled to Sweden for training on how to protect President Mandela – a reflection of the uncertainty and responsibility that rested on young shoulders at the time.

“For us, that was a moment of great fear… But ahead of that, Reverend Mkhatshwa and I had gone to Sweden to be trained as people who could protect Nelson Mandela… They helped to prepare us how we would look after him,” the President said while laughing. 

For the President, that day remains profoundly personal.

“To have been there beside the father of our nation as he took his first steps as a free man, remains one of the greatest honours of my life. Few moments have marked me more than being witness – at close quarters, to the day that lit the path toward the birth of a new South Africa.”

Now, three and a half decades later, the President said Drakenstein once again stands at the centre of transformation.

“Today, the Drakenstein Correctional Facility once again stands at the threshold of a new chapter in our country’s history,” he said. 

The Nelson Mandela Rules Training Academy, he said, is more than brick and mortar.

“This is not merely a building, but a story. You are welcomed by striking artwork depicting Madiba’s art created by offenders themselves. This is not incidental. It is deeply symbolic. It reflects the very essence of rehabilitation. It is about unlocking human potential, creativity and self-worth,” the President said. 

He said it is a story rooted in dignity, in second chances, and in the belief that justice must be anchored in humanity. Having endured 27 years in prison, Madiba’s life embodied the principle that even those behind bars retain their inherent dignity.

“Madiba believed that offenders are deserving of dignity, respect and humane treatment, and that justice is not measured by how harshly we punish, but by how faithfully we uphold human dignity, even in the most difficult circumstances,” he said. 

The President confronted the national frustration over crime, acknowledging the temptation toward harsh retribution.

“We cannot talk about overcoming crime in South Africa without having a frank, honest conversation about the rehabilitation of offenders, their re-integration into society, and prevention of re-offending.  

“Our people are fed up with crime, and at most times are inclined to the ‘lock the door and throw away the key’ mentality when it comes to offenders. Yet, this will not serve us in the long term as a country,” the President said. 

He painted a sobering picture of the cycle of re-offending and the stigma ex-offenders face, including unemployment, untreated mental health challenges, broken trust, gang pressures and social isolation.

“Facing social stigma, an unwelcoming environment and social isolation, far too many return to a life of crime.”

The Academy, President Ramaphosa declared, seeks to change that trajectory.

“The Nelson Mandela Rules Training Academy is determined to break this cycle,” he said. 

As sunlight filtered across the grounds where Madiba once walked to freedom, the symbolism was unmistakable. From incarceration to liberation. From punishment to rehabilitation. From history to living legacy.

“This facility symbolises the humanisation of corrections, the elevation of dignity, and the global pursuit of justice rooted in humanity,” he said. 

In conclusion, the President paid tribute to the men and women of the Department of Correctional Services, who perform one of the most demanding and often unrecognised duties in the public service. 

“Your commitment affirms that even in the most difficult circumstances, our correctional system remains anchored in humanity, professionalism and service to the nation.

“May this academy stand as a living tribute to Nelson Mandela’s legacy. May it shape generations of correctional practitioners committed to dignity and reform,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

President Cyril Ramaphosa says while many South Africans believe the country is turning the corner, government remains mindful of the “huge problems” that still need urgent attention.

Speaking at the Drakenstein Correctional Facility ahead of the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA), the President reflected on the national mood and the tone South Africans can expect when he addresses the Joint Sitting of Parliament on Thursday evening.

Responding to a question on whether the “ship is turning” and if optimism would define his message, President Ramaphosa acknowledged the growing sentiment that the country is on an upward trajectory.

“…Many people do say that we are turning the corner. We’ve turned the corner, and things are beginning to look a lot better, but…. there are still huge problems that we have to deal with,” he said on Wednesday.

The President noted that the past decade has been particularly challenging for the country and its people. 

“The past… 10 years or so have been very difficult, and our people have gone through great challenges and great difficulties. We need to reflect on all of that, but we also need to reflect on what the future portends because this moment gives us an opportunity to look back, look at the present and look forward,” he said.

His remarks suggest that SONA 2026 will balance sober reflection with cautious hope, acknowledging progress while confronting persistent structural challenges.

When asked what would keep him up on the eve of the Address, the President struck a confident and light-hearted tone.

“Tonight, I’m going to have a very, very deep sleep, and I’m not going to be up. I want to be ready to deliver the speech. The speech is done and dusted,” he said.

President Ramaphosa will on Thursday, 12 February, deliver the State of the Nation Address to a Joint Sitting of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) at Cape Town City Hall.

The State of the Nation Address is an annual overview delivered by the President to mobilise all sectors of society to secure ongoing development in the country. The Joint Sitting provides an opportunity for the President to reflect on progress made, highlight key achievements, flag challenges, and outline government’s policy direction and programme of action for the year ahead.

During SONA 2026, President Ramaphosa is expected to outline interventions for the coming financial year, deliberating on South Africa’s domestic priorities, as well as the country’s continental and international relations.

The State of the Nation Address remains an important national milestone, reinforcing the strength and resilience of South Africa’s constitutional democratic system.

The Address will take place at 19h00 at Cape Town City Hall in the Western Cape. – SAnews.gov.za

The Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI) has facilitated nearly 295 000 earning opportunities for youth during the third quarter of this financial year.

This according to Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli who released the PYEI 2025/26 third quarter results in Cape Town on Wednesday.

The results cover the time span between October and December last year and show, amongst others, that:

• Some 294 530 earning opportunity were secured
• Over 11 000 work experience opportunities were created through partnerships with higher learning institutions and the private sector
• More than 6 700 enterprise opportunities were provided to support youth entrepreneurship through the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA)

“Furthermore, our revitalised National Youth Service…continues to expand with 132 784 young people having been placed in paid service opportunities to date.

“These achievements show that the PYEI is not only growing in scale but also in length, diversity and sustainability of opportunities,” Mhlauli said.

She emphasised that the quarter’s most important milestone is the “continued success” of the Jobs Boost Fund.

The fund – which is in its pilot phase this financial year – is aimed at delivering high-quality jobs for previously excluded youth by incentivising skills providers to deliver appropriate skills development and support job readiness programmes and interventions.

“Over 9 170 young people have enrolled into this particular programme. Which means we have been able to exceed our target for this financial year.

“Of the young people enrolled in this programme, 7 200 young people have already been placed into jobs,” she said.

Young people are encouraged to take up the opportunities presented on the zero rated sayouth.mobi site where opportunities are listed. 

“You will find all opportunities related to every and anything youth related. On [the site], you will find earning and learning opportunities, access to work experience and enterprise support. You will receive work readiness support and guidance.

“This platform is designed to ensure that no young person is excluded because of cost, location or lack of access to information,” the Deputy Minister said.

Since inception, the PYEI has reached more than 5 million young people with 2.36 million earning opportunities facilitated through SA Youth and an additional 402 515 opportunities through the labour department’s Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA).

“The PYEI is part of a broader national effort to remove structural barriers to job creation and economic participation. We are building a South Africa where young people participate in the economy with dignity, agency and hope.

“The progress report we present today is encouraging but our work is far from complete. Youth unemployment remains one of the biggest challenges that we face as a nation but through partnership, innovation and persistence we are steadily expanding pathways to earning for millions of our young South Africans,” Mhlauli concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

Parliament is gearing up for one of the most significant events on South Africa’s democratic calendar as preparations gather pace for the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) – a sitting that coincides with the 30th anniversary of the country’s Constitution.

National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza and National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Chairperson Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane led a briefing outlining Parliament’s state of readiness for the landmark occasion.

SONA, a Joint Sitting of the National Assembly and the NCOP convened by the President in terms of Section 42(5) of the Constitution, will take place on Thursday, 12 February, at 19:00 at the Cape Town City Hall.

Describing the event as a defining moment in the democratic calendar, Didiza said SONA brings together the three arms of the state under one roof.

She emphasised that the address is more than ceremonial, as it is a key accountability platform.

Outlining Parliament’s preparations, Didiza said SONA provides President Cyril Ramaphosa with the opportunity to reflect on progress made and set out government’s priorities for the year ahead.

“He outlines priorities for the year ahead and presents government’s programme of action. These commitments become the benchmarks against which Parliament measures executive performance through community oversight, debates and legislative processes,” Didiza said.

About 490 Members of Parliament, including representatives of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), will be seated in the chamber, while invited guests will occupy the public gallery. Additional attendees will be accommodated in an overflow venue.

In line with Section 2 of the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act, City Hall has formally been designated a parliamentary precinct for the purposes of SONA, Didiza confirmed.

Following the President’s address, Parliament will shift into debate mode. A two-day Joint Debate involving members of both Houses is scheduled for 17 and 18 February, with the President’s reply set for 19 February, concluding this phase of the SONA programme.

“The debates and President’s response will be held in the Dome, which was handed over by the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure last Friday,” Didiza said.

The 2026 address is expected to draw a wide range of distinguished guests, including former Presidents and Presiding Officers, members of the Judiciary, heads of institutions supporting democracy, traditional leaders, representatives of local government, and members of the diplomatic corps.

Reflecting on South Africa’s democratic journey

Beyond the policy agenda, SONA 2026 carries added historical weight. The address takes place in the year South Africa marks 30 years since the adoption of its Constitution in 1996.

Didiza said the milestone presents an opportunity for reflection and renewal.

The anniversary, she noted, invites South Africans to reflect on the country’s democratic journey and recommit to the constitutional values of dignity, equality, freedom and accountability that continue to guide government’s work.

She further highlighted that 16 June 2026 will mark 50 years since the Soweto Uprising – a pivotal chapter in the nation’s history that underscored the contribution of young people to South Africa’s democratisation.

Looking ahead, Didiza also pointed to Parliament’s global engagement, noting: “In September 2026, Parliament will host the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, an international gathering that reinforces South Africa’s role in advancing global parliamentary democracy.”  – SAnews.gov.za