President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the State of the Nation Address (SoNA) on Thursday, 6 February 2025 at 7pm. The address took place before a joint sitting of the two houses of Parliament. The theme for the 2025 SoNA is a “A nation that works, for all”.
The address is an important milestone as it brings certainty to the country’s political, social and economic landscape. It demonstrates that South Africa’s democracy remains robust.
In the address, President Cyril Ramaphosa sets out government’s key policy objectives and deliverables for the year ahead, flag challenges and outline interventions to unlock our nation’s potential.
During his address, the President also highlights what has been achieved since his last address in 2024. He also reflects on the progress made in implementing the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP).
Fast facts
- The State of the Nation Address is divided into three parts. The first is the important public participation role in the ceremony when the Civil Guard of Honour welcomes the President and his guests as they walk along the red carpet. This is followed by a state ceremonial, which includes a 21-gun salute and the South African Air Force flypast and finally the official address by the President.
- Members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) line the route that the President takes to Parliament.
- The Military Guard of Honour participates in the ceremony and the military band plays South Africa’s national anthem.
- In a general election year, two State of the Nation Addresses are delivered.
- The State of the Nation Address is one of the rare occasions where the three arms of State, namely the Executive represented by the President, Deputy President and Ministers; the Judiciary, represented by the country’s Chief Justice and the Judge Presidents; and the Legislature, represented by the Members of Parliament gather in one place.
- The provincial and local spheres of government are also represented.
What is the State of the Nation Address?
The State of the Nation Address (SoNA) is an annual address to the nation delivered by the President of the Republic of South Africa as the Head of State. During SoNA, the President will highlight achievements, flag challenges, and outline interventions for the coming financial year, deliberating on South Africa’s domestic affairs as well as its continental and international relations.
When is the State of the Nation Address happening?
This year’s State of the Nation Address will be delivered on Thursday, 6 February 2025 at 19:00 from the Cape Town City Hall and proceedings will be broadcast from 17:00 onwards. The address is delivered at a joint sitting of the two Houses of Parliament (National Assembly and National Council of Provinces).
What is the theme for the 2025 State of the Nation Address?
The theme for the 2025 SoNA is a “A nation that works, for all”.
Where can I watch or get access more information about the State of the Nation Address?
South Africans can tune into their favourite television or radio station to be part of this important national milestone. Proceedings will also be covered via government and Pparliament social media accounts. Parliament TV (DStv Channel 408) or Parliament’s website: www.parliament.gov.za
Who can attend SoNA?
The SoNA guest list is made up of publicly elected representatives from the national, provincial and local spheres of governmentgovernment leaders, which includes Ministers and Deputy Ministers, Premiers, MECs as well as the leadership of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA). The sitting similarly includes representatives of the House of Traditional Leaders, members of the public and representatives from civil organisations and other invited guests in the Public Gallery, among others.
Former Presidents and Deputy Presidents as well as leaders and representatives of our Judiciary are invited to attend SoNA as well.
How can the public participate in the State of the Nation Address?
South Africans can attend the State of the Nation Address as invited guests of Parliament either as Civil Guards of Honour, Junior Guards of Honour or Eminent persons.
- The Civil Guards of Honour are made up of ordinary South Africans.
- The Junior Guards of Honour are drawn from schools around SA.
- Eminent persons are nominated by the Speaker of each Provincial Legislature – nominated on the basis of their contribution to society.
What is the link between the State of the Nation Address and Budget?
The State of the Nation Address outlines government’s programme priorities for the year, while the Minister of Finance allocates the Budget in line with the priorities outlined in the State of the Nation Address.
What is the role of Parliament especially regarding its oversight function?
Parliament conducts oversight to ensure that government delivers on the priorities set out in the State of the Nation Address and that allocated funds are spent accordingly.
What happens after the State of The Nation Address?
Political parties have an opportunity to debate, comment and raise questions on matters addressed in the President’s speech during a debate on the President’s State of the Nation Address. This debate usually takes place over two days in a joint sitting and this year the debate is scheduled for 12 to 13 February 2025. The President will have the opportunity to reply to the debate on 14 February 2025.
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