Here's how much SONA 2026 will cost following Parliament's budget pinch
The State of the Nation Address (SONA) is expected to be significantly less expensive this year.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Newspapers
The 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA), which is expected to take place on Thursday evening, will cost R7 million. This was confirmed by Parliament Secretary Xolile George on Wednesday.
Close to 500 members of Parliament, representatives of local government and invited guests are expected to attend the address at Cape Town City Hall on Thursday at 7pm.
George was speaking at a media briefing where National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza announced Parliament’s readiness for the annual event. National Council of Provinces Chairperson Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane also attended the briefing to provide an update on preparations.
President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the 2026 State of the Nation Address at the Cape Town City Hall next Thursday at 7pm. The cost of the SONA will be R7 million.
Image: GCIS
George said the main cost drivers were broadcasting and ICT infrastructure.
“The budget for this year is R7,025,000 and is largely driven by the cost of hiring equipment that covers all broadcasting and related ICT infrastructure to ensure it is fit for purpose,” he said.
“City Hall is not costing us a lot of money; we pay only a small amount to the city. The major cost drivers are the broadcasting equipment and related services.”
In 2025, Parliament budgeted R15.5 million for SONA and spent R12.3 million, George said.
“Equipment alone cost R9.1 million last year. The significant difference this year is because in 2025, we hired the ICC, where many of our guests were hosted.”
“This year we have erected a marquee in front of City Hall, and that cost is being covered by the Department of Public Works. That explains the reduced budget as we aim to significantly cut hosting costs,” he said.
Didiza described SONA as one of the most significant occasions in South Africa’s constitutional calendar.
“The State of the Nation remains the highest formal expression of executive accountability to Parliament and, through Parliament, to the people of South Africa. It is convened as a joint sitting of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces,” she said.
She said SONA formally opens Parliament’s annual programme and provides the framework for oversight, lawmaking, budget scrutiny and public participation.
“It is the moment when the president accounts to the nation on progress made, outlines priorities for the year ahead and presents the government's programme of action,” Didiza said.
“These commitments become the benchmark against which Parliament measures executive performance through committee oversight, debates and legislative processes.”
Didiza noted that 2026 coincides with significant milestones in South Africa’s history.
It marks the 30th anniversary of the Constitution, adopted in 1996, inviting reflection on the country’s democratic journey and a renewed commitment to constitutional values of dignity, equality, freedom and accountability, she said.
She added that 16 June will mark 50 years since the Soweto uprising, recognising the contribution of young people to the country’s democratisation.
Parliament will spend R7,025,000 on this year’s State of the Nation Address at Cape Town City Hall, less than half of last year’s budget, with broadcasting and ICT infrastructure driving most of the costs.
Image: AI Generated
In September, Parliament will host the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, reinforcing South Africa’s role in global parliamentary democracy and international dialogue.
The year will also include local government elections.
“Parliament stands ready to play its role in the constitutional processes that safeguard the integrity and credibility of the electoral system,” Didiza said.
In terms of the Constitution and Parliament’s joint rules, Ramaphosa has convened a joint sitting of both Houses to deliver the address.
All members of Parliament and invited guests will attend in person at City Hall.
About 490 MPs, including representatives of the South African Local Government Association, will be accommodated in the chamber, with guests seated in the hall.
In accordance with Section 2 of the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act, City Hall has been designated a parliamentary precinct for the purposes of SONA.
Following the address, Parliament will hold a two-day joint debate from 17 to 18 February. Ramaphosa’s reply is scheduled for 19 February, concluding this phase of the SONA programme.
The debates and Ramaphosa’s response will take place in the Dome, recently handed over by the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure.
SONA 2026 will be attended by former presidents, former presiding officers, members of the judiciary, heads of institutions supporting democracy, traditional leaders, representatives of local government and international representatives.
Former presidents Jacob Zuma and Kgalema Motlanthe have confirmed their attendance, while former president Thabo Mbeki has sent his apologies.
The ceremony will include a guard of honour, a procession of the Speakers of the nine provinces and a judicial procession 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,” Didiza said.
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has confirmed that extensive safety and security measures are in place to ensure a peaceful and secure event.
National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said Cape Town Traffic Services has issued a road closure advisory, urging residents, businesses and motorists in the city centre to plan accordingly.
Members of the public without valid accreditation have been warned to avoid the area. Authorities said any lawlessness or disruptive behaviour would be dealt with decisively.
Airspace around City Hall will be restricted on the day of the address, with a strict no-fly zone for manned and unmanned aircraft, including drones.
The restricted airspace - covering a one-nautical-mile radius and altitudes from ground level to 5,000 feet - will be enforced from 7am to 10pm on 12 February 2026.
Violators face charges under civil aviation regulations.
Mathe added that security operations are also underway at the Investing in African Mining Indaba, which is proceeding without incident, reinforcing confidence that Thursday’s address will take place with minimal disruption.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
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