Ramaphosa to deliver SONA against backdrop of auspicious year for SA’s democracy

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday deliver the second State of the Nation Address (SONA) of the seventh administration against the backdrop of an auspicious year for the country’s democracy.

In 2026, it will be 30 years since the Constitution was adopted as law and 50 years since the Soweto uprising.

On Wednesday, Ramaphosa and government ministers marked 36 years since the country’s most eminent statesman, Nelson Mandela, walked free from prison in Paarl.

National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza said 2026’s SONA, thus, holds special significance in reflecting on the country’s democratic journey.

Parliament is hoping this will be the last time it will have to host the SONA at the City Hall owing to the destruction caused by a fire in 2022.

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At a cost of R7 million, the expenditure is significantly less than the more than R12 million spent on 2025’s event, and the false starts in tabling the national budget.

Secretary to Parliament Xolile George explained: “The City Hall is not costing us a lot of money. It’s a small amount of money that we pay to the city, but in the main, the major cost drivers are broadcasting and services related thereto.”

Didiza said in marking the 30th anniversary of the country’s supreme law, 2026’s event is about more than just pomp and ceremony.

“This milestone 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 unforeseen construction hitches notwithstanding; Parliament hopes its new chamber will be completed in time for 2027’s SONA.