President Ramaphosa to Deliver Key State of the Nation Address on February 12, 2026

President Ramaphosa to Outline Government's 2026 Agenda

President Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled to deliver the annual State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 7 PM (19:00 SAST). The significant event will take place at the Cape Town City Hall, a venue steeped in historical symbolism, notably as the site where Nelson Mandela first addressed South Africans after his release from prison in 1990. The address will be broadcast live, with proceedings commencing from 5 PM (17:00).

The SONA serves as a crucial platform for the Head of State to outline the government's program for the year ahead, detailing key policy objectives and deliverables. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the nation's progress across political, economic, and social fronts, both domestically and within the global context. The President is also expected to highlight achievements since his last address in 2025 and provide updates on the implementation of the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP).

Key Focus Areas for the Nation

The 2026 SONA is anticipated to address several pressing issues facing South Africa. Central to the government's agenda are three interrelated strategic priorities:

• Driving inclusive economic growth and job creation.
• Reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living.
• Building a capable, ethical, and developmental state.

Analysts and public bodies expect the President to tackle the nation's persistently high unemployment rate, which stood at 42.4%, and the sluggish 1% economic growth. Other critical areas include addressing entrenched levels of poverty and inequality, and combating endemic crime and corruption. Progress in achieving energy stability, with over 175 consecutive days without loadshedding and an Energy Availability Factor rising above 63%, is likely to be highlighted as a tangible gain.

Constitutional Mandate and Parliamentary Oversight

The State of the Nation Address is a constitutional event, called in terms of Section 42(5) of the Constitution. It convenes a joint sitting of the two Houses of Parliament – the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces – and is one of the rare occasions that brings together the executive, legislature, and judiciary under one roof. This gathering underscores Parliament's central role in holding the government accountable.

Following the President's address, Members of Parliament will engage in a debate over two days, with the President providing a reply on the third day. The SONA also has direct budgetary implications, as Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is scheduled to deliver his Budget Speech shortly thereafter. Parliament is constitutionally mandated to exercise oversight over public finances, ensuring departmental budgets align with the priorities outlined by the President.

Addressing Global and Domestic Challenges

Beyond domestic policy, the 2026 SONA is expected to clarify South Africa's foreign policy stance amidst global turbulence. The country's role following its landmark G20 presidency in November 2025, its relations with international partners, and its position on global issues such as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) case against Israel, are anticipated to feature in the address. The President will likely articulate how South Africa intends to balance national interests, human rights, and non-alignment in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.