R7million budgeted for SONA2026

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Parliament says it’s all systems go for the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA). The SONA formally opens the parliamentary programme for the year and provides the anchor around which oversight, law-making, budget scrutiny and public participation are organised. It is convened as a Joint Sitting of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces.

‘’It is the moment when the President accounts to the nation on progress made, outlines priorities for the year ahead, and presents government’s programme of action. These commitments then become the benchmarks against which Parliament measures executive performance through committee oversight, debates and legislative processes during the year,’’ said Thoko Didiza, National Assembly Speaker.

Didiza briefed the media on Wednesday on the state of readiness for SONA 2026. She highlighted that 2026 coincides with the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s Constitution, adopted in 1996.

‘’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.’’

COURTESY - @ParliamentofRSA: Thoko Didiza, NA Speaker

June 16 marks an important calendar day, as well as a significant milestone for the country, as it commemorates 50 years of the Soweto uprising. In September 2026, Parliament will further host the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, reinforcing South Africa’s role in global parliamentary diplomacy and international democratic dialogue. The year will also see South Africans participate in the Local Government Elections.

The State of the Nation Address will be delivered at City Hall, with all Members of Parliament and guests attending physically. Approximately 490 Members of Parliament, including representatives of the South African Local Government Association, will be accommodated in the chamber, with guests seated in the public gallery.

Following the Address, Parliament will host a two-day joint debate by Members of both Houses on 17 and 18 February. The President’s reply to the debate, on 19 February, will conclude this phase of the SONA programme. The debates and the President’s reply will be held at the recently refurbished Dome, which has now been formally handed back to Parliament by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.

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 leadership structures, and representatives of local government and international partners. There will obviously be a Ceremonial Guard that will be present. There will be a procession by the Speakers of the nine provinces, 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. Among other dignitaries, invited would also be members of society who work with parliament as well as the government on a number of issues. Former presidents Kgalema Motlanthe and Jacob Zuma indicated their presence, while former president Thabo Mbeki sent his apologies,’’ said Didiza.

Taxpayers are coughing up R7 025 000. Secretary of Parliament, Xolile George says this is driven by hiring equipment for broadcast, and ICT structure are fit for purpose.

‘’City Hall is not costing a lot of money, but the major costing is broadcasting and services related to that. Last year we budgeted R15.5 million and spent R12.3 million and equipment alone was R9.1 million. Last year we had to add a component to hire CTICC. This year we have a marquee and that cost driver is by Department of Public works & Infrastructure.’’

COURTESY - @ParliamentofRSA: Xolile George, Secretary of Parliament


Didiza announced that for SONA 2026, Parliament received approximately 1 400 media accreditation applications from local and international media. Following a rigorous vetting process, approximately 1 300 bona fide media representatives, which includes Bush Radio, have been approved to cover the event.

Through ongoing discussions with the Traders' Association and relevant authorities, arrangements have been put in place to balance parliamentary operations with continuity of trading activities for informal traders, to ensure minimal disruptions while maintaining the security and functionality of 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,’’ said Didiza.

‘’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 law-making, and tangible delivery,’’ she added.

 

Done by: Mitchum George

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