The R7 Million SONA: President Ramaphosa Outlines Government Priorities for 2026

President Cyril Ramaphosa prepares to deliver the 2026 State of the Nation Address at Cape Town City Hall. Court. Picture Credit: cnbcafrica

By Aisha Zardad

Cape Town – The nation will be watching closely on Thursday evening as President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall, setting out the government’s plans for the year ahead. With a price tag of over R7 million, the address comes amid heightened security and extensive road closures around the city centre, as the Mother City prepares to host this key national event.

MPs, diplomats, and former presidents—including Jacob Zuma and Kgalema Motlanthe—will begin arriving at the historic City Hall from Thursday afternoon. The address officially opens Parliament and gives the President a national platform to set out government priorities for 2026. During a press briefing, Parliament’s Secretary, Xolile George, confirmed the SONA carries a cost of R7,025,000, primarily covering broadcasting and ICT infrastructure. “The City Hall is not costing us a lot of money … the major cost drivers are broadcasting equipment and services related to that purpose,” George said.

The City Hall has hosted the event since a January 2022 fire destroyed parts of the official parliamentary precinct, forcing major national events to be relocated. National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza noted that if all goes smoothly, this could be the final SONA held at the landmark. Didiza also said ex-President Thabo Mbeki will not be attending, while confirmation was received from Jacob Zuma and Kgalema Motlanthe.

Political parties, unions, and civic organisations have outlined pressing issues they hope will be addressed. Opposition leaders have called on President Ramaphosa to focus on crime, policing, economic reform, unemployment, and the cost of living.

Build One SA leader Mmusi Maimane said his primary concern was crime. “The president can make many promises, including job creation,” Maimane said. “What the president needs to do is to stabilise the police. There can be no economy if there is crime.” DA spokesperson on Home Affairs Adrian Roos said his party expected the department to feature prominently in the address. “The DA expects the Sona 2026 to reflect advances made by Home Affairs under minister Leon Schreiber in clearing long-standing visa and permit backlogs, cutting down illegal border crossing attempts, expanding visa schemes, and rolling out digital systems aimed at reducing red tape while strengthening security,” Roos said.

COSATU’s Matthew Parks said: “Sona and government’s plans for the year must be anchored upon tackling our dangerously high unemployment rate of 42.4% and sluggish 1% economic growth, entrenched levels of poverty and inequality, and endemic crime and corruption.” Lobby group Amandla.mobi called on President Ramaphosa to prioritise the marginalised majority and restore their humanity and dignity by implementing a basic income grant. “We hope your 2026 Sona will bring real solutions for the unaffordable cost of living,” the group said. “Food is expensive. Month to month, millions in Mzansi cannot afford to buy healthy, nutritious food for themselves and their families.”

In preparation for SONA, the City of Cape Town has implemented extensive road closures in and around the central business district (CBD). Some closures began earlier this week and will remain in effect until Friday, February 13, while others will continue until the end of February to accommodate parliamentary sittings. Traffic Services spokesperson Kevin Jacobs advised motorists to plan ahead, limit non-essential travel, and be patient, especially in the city centre.

Road closures for Thursday, February 12, 2026:

• Darling Street: Between Buitenkant and Tenant Street, 17:45 – 19:30; Between Plein Street and Buitenkant Street, 04:00 – 23:59
• Coronation Street: Between Caledon Street and Darling Street, 00:00 – 23:45
• Longmarket Street: Between Plein Street and Buitenkant Street, 00:00 – 23:45
• Commercial Street: Between Nieumeester Parking and Plein Street and between Plein and Buitenkant Street (bi-directional), 04:00 – 23:45
• Roeland Street: Between Buitenkant and Brandeer Street
• Buitekant Street: Between Roeland and Darling Street, 17:45 – 19:30 (traffic control)
• Darling Street: Between Buitenkant and Adderley Street and between Buitenkant and Tenant Street, 00:00 – 23:45
• Sir Lowry Road: Between Tenant Street and Darling Street, 12:00 – 23:45
• M3, Union Avenue, Rhodes Drive, Philip Kgosana Drive, Roeland Street (City-bound carriageway from Newlands Avenue to City Centre): 17:45 – 19:30
• Woolsack Drive, Rondebosch Westbound: Between Main Road (M4) and Rhodes Drive (M3), 17:45 – 19:30
• Anzio Road, Observatory: From Main Road (M4) to Philip Kgosana Drive (M3), 17:45 – 19:30
• N2 Settlers Way City-bound carriageway: From Main Road (M4) to City Centre, 17:45 – 19:30
• Klipper Road: Main Road (M4) to Newlands Avenue, 17:45 – 19:30
• Princess Anne Avenue: Newlands Avenue to Union Avenue, 17:45 – 19:30
• Newlands Avenue: Dean Street to Princess Anne Avenue, 17:45 – 19:30
• Dean Street Westbound: Main Road (M4) to Newlands Avenue, 17:45 – 19:30

Additionally, Darling, Corporation, Longmarket, Parade, Plein, and Commercial streets will be affected on Friday, February 13, from 09:00 to 23:45 in the same formats outlined above. Motorists are advised to factor in additional travel time, plan alternative routes, and avoid non-essential travel where possible. Jacobs also warned that blocking intersections during light changes could cause further delays.

The 2026 SONA promises to focus on South Africa’s most pressing challenges, from crime and economic growth to poverty and service delivery, while the city braces for a night of high security and traffic disruptions. Parties will debate the address on Tuesday and Wednesday, followed by a formal reply from President Ramaphosa the following day.