No-fly zone and road closures: security tightens for 2026 SONA
Major road closures to disrupt Cape Town CBD ahead of the 2026 State of the Nation Address at the City Hall on Thursday.
Image: ARMAND HOUGH ndependent Newspapers
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has assured the public that robust security measures are firmly in place to guarantee a peaceful environment for President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Cape Town.
Scheduled for Thursday at 7pm, the address will take place live at the City Hall venue in the heart of the city.
NATJOINTS said law enforcement agencies have mobilised significant resources, drawing on experience from previous national key events to boost police visibility and prevent crime before, during and after the address.
Security stakeholders have held a series of coordination meetings in recent weeks to ensure operational plans are executed without disruption. Authorities confirmed that all role players within the security cluster are already implementing their respective mandates.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the City of Cape Town’s Traffic Services has issued a road closure advisory affecting parts of the city centre. Residents, businesses and motorists have been urged to plan ahead and use alternative routes to avoid delays.
Members of the public who do not have official accreditation have been advised to steer clear of the event precinct. Authorities have warned that any acts of lawlessness or attempts to disrupt proceedings will be dealt with swiftly and decisively.
Mathe also confirmed that a temporary no-fly zone will be enforced around Cape Town City Hall on the day of the address. The restricted airspace will apply to both manned and unmanned aircraft, including drones.
The restriction will cover a one-nautical-mile radius around the venue and altitudes from ground level up to 5,000 feet. It will be in effect from 7am until 10pm on February 12, 2026. Anyone found violating the restriction could face charges under civil aviation regulations.
Meanwhile, security operations are continuing at the Investing in African Mining Indaba, currently under way in Cape Town, with no reported incidents. NATJOINTS said this further bolsters confidence that SONA 2026 will proceed with minimal disruption.
Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia, together with Deputy Ministers Polly Boshielo and Cassel Mathale and National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, is expected to address deployed law enforcement officers at the Castle of Good Hope on Thursday morning ahead of the event.