The Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Thoko Didiza, has described the President’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) as the highest formal expression of executive accountability to the people of South Africa. She made these remarks during a media briefing on Parliament’s readiness to host the 2026 SONA.
Ms Didiza explained that this accountability is exercised through Parliament, with SONA serving as the anchor for parliamentary oversight. “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,” she said. “These commitments become the benchmark against which Parliament measures executive performance through committee oversight.”
The SONA is scheduled to take place on Thursday, 12 February, at Cape Town City Hall. Ms Didiza confirmed that the budget for the 2026 SONA is approximately R7 million. The Secretary to Parliament, Mr Xolile George, noted that a significant portion of the budget has been allocated to the ICT infrastructure required to manage an event of such scale and logistical complexity.
Ms Didiza further revealed that former Presidents Kgalema Motlanthe and Jacob Zuma have confirmed their attendance, while an apology has been received from former President Thabo Mbeki.
“Some elements should remain a surprise, particularly regarding attendance at SONA. We invited all former Presidents, but responses are not always received in time, and some may change their minds at the last minute,” she said.
She added that Parliament hopes this will be the final occasion on which SONA is hosted at City Hall, although this remains uncertain due to the unpredictability surrounding the hosting of state functions.
“This year, 2026, also marks the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s Constitution, adopted in 1996. This milestone invites 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,” Ms Didiza said.
“SONA 2026 is more than a ceremonial occasion. It reaffirms 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.”
She emphasised that Parliament is operationally ready and institutionally focused on ensuring that SONA sets the tone for a year of intensified oversight and responsive service delivery.
The SONA debate the following week will take place at the recently handed-over Dome on 16 and 17 February. Ms Didiza also announced that Parliament will host the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, an event that reinforces South Africa’s role in global parliamentary diplomacy and international democratic dialogue.
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