SONA 2026: All systems go as Parliament Prepares for Ramaphosa’s address

Parliament says it is fully prepared the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA), scheduled to take place tomorrow in Cape Town, with close to 500 Members of Parliament, representatives of local government and invited guests expected to attend.

National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza announced Parliament’s readiness during a media briefing on Wednesday. 

She was joined by National Council of Provinces Chairperson Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, where they provided an update on preparations for the annual address.

The 2026 State of the Nation Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa, is scheduled for Thursday, February 12, at 7pm at Cape Town City Hall.

“We convened this briefing to provide an update on Parliament’s state of readiness to host the 2026 State of the Nation Address, one of the most significant occasions in South Africa’s constitutional calendar,” Didiza said.

“The State of the Nation remains the highest formal expression of executive accountability to Parliament and, through Parliament, to the people of South Africa. It is convened as a joint sitting of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces.”

Didiza said SONA formally opens Parliament’s annual programme and 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 ahead and presents the government’s programme of action,” she said.

“These commitments then become the benchmark against which Parliament measures executive performance through committee oversight, debates and legislative processes during the year.”

Didiza said that 2026 coincides with significant milestones in South Africa’s history.

“It is the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s Constitution, which was adopted in 1996. This invites both reflection on our democratic journey and a renewed commitment to the constitutional values of dignity, equality, freedom and accountability that continue to guide our work as a democratic legislature,” she said.

She added that 16 June will mark 50 years since the Soweto uprising, an important milestone recognising the contribution of young people to the democratisation of the country.

She said in September, Parliament will host the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, reinforcing South Africa’s role in global parliamentary democracy and international dialogue.

The year will also include much anticipated local government elections.

“Parliament stands ready to play its role in the constitutional processes that safeguard the integrity and credibility of the electoral system,” Didiza said.

She said in terms of the Constitution and the joint rules of Parliament, Ramaphosa has convened a joint sitting of the two Houses to deliver the address. 

All Members of Parliament and invited guests will attend in person at City Hall, she said.

Didiza said approximately 490 Members of Parliament, including representatives of the South African Local Government Association, will be accommodated in the chamber, with invited guests seated in the hall.

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

She said following the address, Parliament will host a two-day joint debate from 17 to 18 February. 

Ramaphosa’s reply will take place on February 19, concluding this phase of the SONA programme. 

The debates and Ramaphosa’s response will be held in the Dome, which was handed over by the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson, last Friday.

Didiza said SONA 2026 will be attended by a broad range of distinguished guests, including former presidents, former presiding officers, members of the judiciary, heads of institutions supporting democracy, traditional leaders, representatives of local government and international representatives.

She said that former presidents Jacob Zuma and Kgalema Motlanthe have confirmed their attendance, while former president Thabo Mbeki has sent an apology.

The ceremony will include a guard of honour, a procession of the Speakers of the nine provinces and a procession of the judiciary led by the Deputy Chief Justice.

“These guests reflect the significance of SONA as both a national constitutional moment and an occasion of international parliamentary interest,” Didiza said.

She said about 1,400 media accreditations have been processed.

The address will be broadcast live on Parliament TV, radio platforms and social media channels to ensure wide public access across the country. Parliament TV will serve as the official host broadcaster, providing a clean, high-quality feed to television, radio and digital platforms.

Parliament has also engaged informal traders who operate in the area opposite City Hall.

She said through discussions with traders’ associations and relevant authorities, arrangements have been made to balance parliamentary operations with continued trading, ensuring minimal disruption while maintaining security and functionality within the parliamentary precinct.

“SONA 2026 is more than a ceremonial occasion. It is a reaffirmation of Parliament’s constitutional mandate to hold the executive to account, to legislate in the public interest, to facilitate meaningful public participation and to serve as a platform for national dialogue,” Didiza said.

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

She also thanked members of the media for their role in keeping the public informed about parliamentary activities.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

IOL Politics