Category: South Africa Government

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia says the State of the Nation Address (SONA) is an important event in the country’s calendar, a day on which the eyes of the country and many beyond the borders turn to Parliament to hear the President outline the nation’s priorities and the path forward.

“The State of the Nation Address demands the highest level of preparedness and professionalism,” Cachalia said.

This as President Cyril Ramaphosa will this evening deliver the State of the Nation Address at the Cape Town City Hall at 7pm.

The Acting Minister was speaking at the Operational Readiness for SONA Parade in Cape Town on Thursday, where he was addressing members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other law enforcement agencies deployed to ensure safety during the State of the Nation Address.

With just hours to go to the address being delivered, Cachalia said SONA is a major national event, involving government leaders, dignitaries, the media, and thousands of South Africans who look to us for assurance that their safety is guaranteed.

“Your deployment today is not a routine assignment;  it is an important opportunity for you to demonstrate the very valuable service you provide to the people who reside in the Republic of South Africa.

“We therefore gather here to recognise and appreciate you, the men and women entrusted with ensuring that the event proceeds safely, smoothly and with the dignity it deserves,” Cachalia said.

He told  officers that their presence underscores the crucial role that law enforcement plays in protecting democracy. 

“I want to emphasise to each one of you, your visibility matters. Your conduct matters. Your professionalism matters. 

“Our citizens must see in you professionals who role-model discipline, respect, restraint and confidence. Their trust in law enforcement is reinforced not only by the work you do, but by the manner in which you do it.

“As you carry out your duties today, I call on you to remain vigilant, alert to any risks or potential disruptions. I call on you to be professional, upholding the high standards expected of every officer in uniform. I call on you to be respectful, treating every member of the public with dignity and fairness, regardless of the circumstances. And above all, I call on you to be lawful, remembering that you serve the promise of the Constitution and the people of South Africa.”

The Minister also told the law enforcement officers that their conduct reflects not only on the SAPS and the broader law enforcement community; it reflects on the entire government and on the nation.

“Let us show the country what excellence in law enforcement looks like. I have no doubt that you can do it. I also want to remind you to look after one another. 

The Minister concluded by thanking all the police officers deployed to ensure safety during SONA.

“As your Minister of Police, I thank each of you for stepping up to serve our country, your dedication, and your commitment to upholding safety and security. 

“Your contribution as police officials makes a vast difference that will shape the type of country we will become. I wish you strength, clarity, and confidence as you head into your deployment. 

“Carry out your responsibilities with honour. Carry them out with pride and carry them out knowing that all of us appreciate the sacrifices you make,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting Minister has embarked on a series of engagements with a broad range of stakeholders to discuss policing challenges in the Western Cape and strengthen measures to improve safety in communities across the province. 
READ | Minister meets various stakeholders to improve safety in WC communities

“These engagements form part of the Minister’s programme ahead of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) later this evening,” the police said in a statement. – SAnews.gov.za

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, has underscored the importance of all spheres of government working together to tackle the water supply challenges in Gauteng.

“When we work together, we’ll be able to address the challenges our communities are facing,” the Minister said on Thursday.

The Minister made these remarks during an oversight visit in Johannesburg, which was conducted to assess the water supply system.

READ | Government intensifies oversight of Midrand water supply interventions

“We are on the ground, engaging with our communities and explaining the challenges we are facing. Seeing these challenges being addressed is truly satisfying from a government perspective. At national level, we are here to support you as you work to overcome them.

“If you look at the progress that has been made up to this far, it tells us that when we join hands, we can get around this situation much quicker. We are committed to [addressing the challenges],” Hlabisa said.

During the oversight visit, he was joined by Minister of Water and Sanitation Penny Majodina; Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation David Mahlobo; Deputy Minister of COGTA, Dr Dickson Namane Masemola; Gauteng MEC for Infrastructure Development and COGTA, Jacob Mamabolo, and Executive Mayor Dada Morero. 

“Let us appreciate the fact that the population is growing very rapidly. The Johannesburg area, Midrand in particular, is developing at a fast pace, and with such development comes increased demand for water, as more water is abstracted. 

“We monitor this closely, and the mayor is addressing it by building more reservoirs, because what we need is improved storage capacity. We are making progress,” Majodina said.

The Gauteng Provincial Government has established an Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) Water Operations Centre to facilitate and coordinate responses aimed at stabilising water supply across the province. 

The Water IGR Operations Centre brings together national government departments, Rand Water, metropolitan and local municipalities, and key provincial entities. 

Its purpose is to strengthen coordination, enable real-time system monitoring, improve joint decision-making, and provide a single source of verified information on the state of the provincial water system.

The Operations Centre was activated on Monday at the Provincial Disaster Management Centre in Midrand.

Through the Water IGR, immediate interventions are being fast-tracked, including leak detection and repair, reservoir refurbishment, operational support to municipalities, and the strengthening of early-warning and communication systems. 

Parallel work is underway to support municipalities in developing credible funding proposals to unlock medium- and long-term investment in critical water infrastructure. – SAnews.gov.za

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has embarked on a series of engagements with a broad range of stakeholders to discuss policing challenges in the Western Cape and strengthen measures to improve safety in communities across the province. 

“These engagements form part of the Minister’s programme ahead of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) later this evening,” the police said in a statement. 

The Western Cape continues to be severely affected by persistent gang violence and organised crime, which have destabilised communities and endangered lives. 

“In September last year, following extensive consultations with provincial stakeholders, the South African Police Service (SAPS) developed a stabilisation plan to address these challenges. The plan requires more time to take effect as well as some adjustments.

“In response, the SAPS is finalising a revised stabilisation plan, which places strong emphasis on the enhanced deployment of specialised units in addition to the existing Anti-Gang Unit to areas mostly affected by gang-related violence. 

“This enhanced approach aims to improve operational capability, increase police visibility, and strengthen intelligence-driven policing in hotspots across the province,” the police said. 

The Minister met with several civil society, religious and community-based organisations including the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) and Cape Crime Crisis Coalition (C4), and others as part of government’s commitment to inclusive and community-centred policing. 

As part of his ongoing programme, Cachalia will meet with the Premier of the Western Cape, Alan Winde as well as stakeholders in Kayamandi and Cloetesville in Stellenbosch in the coming weeks. – SAnews.gov.za

South Africa has been elected to serve a two-year term on the African Union’s (AU) Peace and Security Council.

AU member states elected South Africa to the council during the 38th Ordinary Session of the AU’s Executive Council.

According to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), South Africa was elected alongside Lesotho to represent Southern Africa on the council.

On the election, DIRCO Minister Ronald Lamola said: “To achieve the goals of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, we have to exert more efforts on peace making and peacebuilding in our continent”.

South Africa will serve on the council from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2028. 

“The Republic of South Africa thanks the AU Member States for their confidence and reaffirms its commitment to work constructively with the entire membership of the AUPSC [African Union Peace and Security Council] in addressing the many peace and security challenges that bedevil our continent.

“The continent continues to grapple with issues such as unconstitutional changes of government, a recurring trend since 2020, which persists until today; and terrorism and violent extremism that has resulted in killings and maiming of thousands of innocent civilians.

“It is in this context that South Africa’s term on the PSC will be guided by its foreign policy which prioritises the African continent’s peace, stability and development,” DIRCO said on Wednesday.

South Africa reaffirmed its commitment to “contributing to a continent that is peaceful, prosperous and embodies pan-African ideals”.

“This commitment is evident in the numerous peace and security initiatives in which South Africa has participated and continues to engage, including its role as interim Chair of the Southern African Development Community.

“South Africa will advocate for peaceful conflict resolution, inclusive dialogue and negotiations, aimed at supporting conflicting parties in finding durable solutions,” the department added. – SAnews.gov.za

By Moahlodi Maphori 

The stabilisation of water supply in Gauteng remains a priority for government as it implements infrastructure upgrades, system balancing and accelerates investment in new storage capacity.

On Thursday, the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Penny Majodina, alongside Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo, Deputy Minister of COGTA, Dr Dickson Namane Masemola, Gauteng MEC of COGTA, David Mamabolo and Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, Councillor Dada Morero conducted an oversight visit to key water infrastructure sites in Midrand. 

The visit formed part of government’s response to the ongoing water supply challenges in Midrand and surrounding areas, where residents have experienced intermittent water supply linked to system pressure constraints, high demand and ageing infrastructure.

 Early‑morning inspections at strategic reservoirs

The oversight programme began at Errand in Midrand, where political principals and city officials received a technical briefing on the current operational status of the local water supply system.

An inspection was conducted at the Johannesburg Grand Central Water Tower in Glen Austin, a critical component of the area’s distribution network. 

The delegation also received an overview of how the system functions under pressure, particularly the role of elevation in determining which areas receive water during periods of constrained supply.

The ministerial delegation proceeded to the President’s Park Reservoir, where further assessments were conducted on the reservoir’s contribution to supply stability in Midrand. 

Officials indicated that the interconnected nature of the system requires careful management to ensure equitable distribution across affected suburbs.

Another identified challenge was that lower‑lying reservoirs and towers tend to receive water more consistently, while elevated areas become vulnerable during system strain, underscoring the need for improved balancing and additional storage capacity.

New reservoirs in Carlswald

As part of long-term interventions to address Midrand’s water supply issues, the ministerial team visited a building site in the Carlswald area where two new reservoirs are currently being built. 

It is anticipated that the new reservoirs will boost system resilience and storage capacity, especially during times of high demand or operational interruptions. When complete, the infrastructure will facilitate improved pressure control and shorten supply outages’ duration and frequency. 

Minister Majodina said government was concentrating on structural solutions that would sustain water supply in quickly expanding metropolitan areas, like Midrand, rather than relying solely on temporary fixes. 

“The goal of these investments is to future-proof the system and make sure that communities are not repeatedly affected by water disruptions,” she said.

Cooperative governance at the centre of interventions

The visit highlighted the importance of coordination between national departments, municipalities and water entities in resolving water challenges. 

Minister Hlabisa emphasised that water security remains a key service delivery priority and that improved coordination between spheres of government is essential to prevent infrastructure failures from escalating into community crises.

Mayor Morero reaffirmed the City of Johannesburg’s commitment to accelerating maintenance, addressing leaks, and ensuring that new infrastructure projects are delivered on time. 

The city is investing in major infrastructure upgrades in the Brixton, Crosby, and Hursthill supply districts, including the construction of new reservoirs, the installation of modern pump stations, and the refurbishment of ageing infrastructure.

Reassurance to residents

Government has assured residents that work is underway to stabilise supply in Midrand, while longer‑term projects, including the Carlswald reservoirs, are working towards completion.

As government works to make the system stronger and more reliable, residents have been encouraged to use water sparingly and to report leaks and infrastructure failures to municipal authorities in the city.

The oversight visit signalled government’s commitment to ensure that water, as a basic service and constitutional right, is accessible to all members of the public. – SAnews.gov.za

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