National Assembly speaker Thoko Didiza announced the parliament’s readiness during a media briefing on Wednesday. The 2026 Sona by President Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled for Thursday, at 19:00 at Cape Town City Hall.

Didiza said all logistical and security arrangements are in place to ensure the smooth running of the event, which marks one of the most significant fixtures on the country’s political calendar.

The address sets out the government’s key priorities and outlines the legislative and policy direction for the year ahead, flags challenges, and outlines interventions to unlock the country’s potential.

While anticipation builds ahead of the address, economic expectations remain high. Free State economist Johan Coetzee said the country can no longer afford vague assurances.

“I hope that the president will move beyond reassurances and clearly signal that the time for action is now,” said Coetzee. “South Africa simply needs less policy talk and fewer promises.

“There needs to be far more visible progress on jobs, crime, service delivery, and economic growth. The focus should be on practical solutions, particularly in infrastructure and basic services, and this must be backed by clear timelines.”

Coetzee remains very skeptical that the country will hear the usual and familiar commitments. If implementation is not matched by real accountability across all spheres of government, this will simply become another talk shop, he said.

????2026 STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS: A Nation that Works for All

This Thursday, 12 February 2026 at 7 pm, President @CyrilRamaphosa delivers the State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Cape Town City Hall.

This important event brings together key stakeholders from across the… pic.twitter.com/Mhoo2CyHuG

— The Presidency ???? (@PresidencyZA) February 11, 2026

The address 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 leaders, representatives of local government, and international representatives.

Following the address, the parliament will host a two-day joint debate from Tuesday (17/2) to Wednesday (18/2) in the Nieuwmeester Dome, a large temporary marquee structure in Cape Town that the parliament is currently using as a makeshift chamber. Ramaphosa’s reply will take place on Thursday, concluding this phase of the Sona programme.

“If policy is not aligned to technological advancements and developments, inequality will deepen, and South Africa will continue to lose relevance not only domestically as voter bases shift, but also on the global stage,” said Coetzee.

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