National Assembly Speaker Ms Thoko Didiza briefs the media on the State Of the Nation Address readiness today. Image: South African Government shared via X @GovernmentZA.
(The Post News)– Parliamentary Presiding Officers have confirmed that preparations for the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) are on track, with the event set to take place on Thursday, February 6, at Cape Town City Hall. As expected, on the day, President Cyril Ramaphosa will lay out the government’s priorities for the year.
Speaking at a media briefing on Wednesday, National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza and National Council of Provinces Chairperson Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane outlined logistical and security arrangements ahead of the annual address. Amid public discussions about security concerns, Didiza emphasised that law enforcement agencies, including the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Defence Force, are responsible for security measures. “In terms of disruptions, we are guided by the joint rules that regulate parliamentary proceedings. These rules remain in place and will continue to be enforced,” Didiza said.
The event is drawing additional attention with confirmation that former President Jacob Zuma will be attending alongside former Presidents Thabo Mbeki and Kgalema Motlanthe. Some commentators have speculated that Zuma’s presence, given his recent political moves, could create tensions. However, Didiza maintained that all former heads of state are customarily invited.
Another key issue raised was how Parliament plans to honour the 14 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers who died while deployed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Their remains were scheduled to be repatriated to South Africa on Wednesday. “The programming committee of both Houses has not yet determined the exact format for honouring the fallen soldiers,” Didiza said. However, she confirmed that the National Assembly will hold a debate on the DRC on Monday, during which MPs will express condolences and reflect on the mission.
Parliament has allocated R6 million for this year’s SONA, the same amount as last year. The event will once again be held at Cape Town City Hall due to ongoing repairs at the parliamentary precinct, which was severely damaged in a 2022 fire. Mtshweni-Tsipane noted that reconstruction is progressing, with Parliament expected to return to its chambers by late 2026. “We are closely monitoring progress and remain hopeful that we will return to our permanent home by 2026,” she said.
Dismissing suggestions of a competing address, Mtshweni-Tsipane stated, “South Africa has only one president, elected in accordance with the Constitution. The President will deliver the official SONA, after which all political parties will have an opportunity to debate and respond.”
Responding to the question as to whether new measures had been introduced to prevent disruptions during SONA, she confirmed that no additional rules had been implemented. “The existing rules sufficiently guide how members must conduct themselves. Any disruptions will be managed according to parliamentary procedures,” she said.
Parliament says it is confident that SONA 2025 will proceed smoothly, with security and logistical arrangements in place. The address will be broadcast live, allowing South Africans across the country to tune in as the president outlines his administration’s plans for the year ahead.
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