Acting Police Minister calls for cohesion ahead of SONA

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia addressed an integrated law enforcement parade at the Castle of Good Hope today, calling for cohesion ahead of their deployment for the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA).

The various policing units—including the SANDF, SAPS, and the City of Cape Town's Metro Police and Traffic Services—lined up in drill formations to listen to the Acting Minister.

Cachalia was joined by Deputy Ministers Polly Boshielo and Cassel Mathale, along with ministers from the Justice, Crime Prevention, and Security Cluster, and the National Commissioner of SAPS, General Fannie Masemola.

General Masemola started off proceedings at the Castle of Good Hope today by addressing the officers about the purpose of their deployment, saying they have a duty to ensure a peaceful State of the Nation Address.

Acting Minister Firoz Cachalia followed by echoing Masemola's sentiments, saying SONA deserves the highest level of excellence from police.

"I am particularly pleased to see members of our national army here alongside members of the South African Police Service, for reasons that will become clear in the coming days," Cachalia said.

Cachalia has indicated he will be meeting with various stakeholders in the Western Cape over the next two months to address concerns about ongoing gang violence and crime in the province.