The Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Thoko Didiza, has vowed that there will be no disruption of informal trading at the Grand Parade ahead of the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Ms Didiza said a series of engagements with the informal traders around the Grand Parade had been very constructive. “Through ongoing discussions with traders’ associations and relevant authorities, arrangements have been put in place to balance parliamentary operations with the continuity of trading activities to ensure minimal disruption while maintaining the security of the parliamentary precinct,” she said.
Ms Didiza told journalists that Parliament was ready to host the SONA, in a year where local government elections, “a critical exercise of grassroots democracy”, were to be held. She said: “This year, will also see South Africans participate in the local government elections, a critical exercise of grassroots democracy that ensures governance closest to the communities remains responsive.”
“Parliament stands ready to play its role in the constitutional processes that safeguard the integrity and credibility of the electoral system,” she said.
For the purposes of SONA, the City Hall is designated a seat of Parliament and this is in accordance with the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament Provincial Legislatures Act.
Ms Didiza likened SONA to a reaffirmation of Parliament’s constitutional mandate to hold government accountable and to serve as a platform for national dialogue. “We 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. SONA is more than a ceremonial occasion,” concluded Ms Didiza.
Sibongile Maputi
11 February 2026
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