Parliament has completed preparations for President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2025 State of the Nation Address (Sona) scheduled for Thursday, maintaining traditional ceremonial elements despite the continued use of Cape Town City Hall as the venue.
National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza announced the event will feature full ceremonial proceedings, including a 21-gun salute, aircraft fly-past, and military processions. The R6 million budget matches last year’s allocation.
Nearly 2,000 guests are expected to attend, including former presidents, diplomats, and civil society leaders. The event will showcase South African culture with 19-year-old isiXhosa praise singer Inako Mateza performing traditional ceremonial duties.
Parliament continues to use Cape Town City Hall as its ceremonial home following the January 2022 fire that damaged the National Assembly building.
The address will follow the theme “Harnessing Parliamentary Diplomacy for Realisation of Global Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability.”
“This is a joint seating of all the houses of Parliament with one agenda – the State of the Nation Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa,” Didiza said during a briefing.
Members of Parliament have been urged to wear locally produced clothing to support South African fashion, under the “Wear Local at Sona” campaign.
Parliamentary debate on the president’s address will follow on February 11 and 12, with Ramaphosa’s reply scheduled for February 13. The Budget Speech will take place on February 19.
