The State of the Nation Address (SONA) is an annual speech given by the President as the Head of State which focuses on the current socio-economic state of the nation.
This year, the State of the Nation Address took place on Thursday, 7 February 2019. The theme for this year's event was “Following up on our commitments: Making Your Future Work Better”. Read the full speech here. The President announced the five urgent tasks that are set out for government for the year ahead.
What is the State of the Nation Address?
The State of the Nation Address is divided into 3 parts:
Members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will line the route that the President takes to Parliament.
The Military Guard of Honour will participate in the ceremony and the military band will play South Africa’s national anthem.
In a general election year, like 2019, 2 State of the Nation Addresses are delivered.
The State of the Nation Address is one of the rare occasions where the 3 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.
When is the State of the Nation Address happening?
What happens during the State of the Nation Address?
Road closures
The following is the list of road closures that will affect traffic in and around the city.
What do South Africans want to hear at the State of the Nation address?
Update:
The State of the Nation Address 2019: 20 June 2019
This was the second State of the Nation Address for the year following the general election that was held on 8 May 2019. In his speech President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation as the Head of State and the Head of Government under the theme "Let's grow South Africa together as we celebrate 25 years of freedom". Read the full speech here. The President focused on seven priorities that are set out for government for the year ahead.
When is the State of the Nation Address happening?
Road closures
The following is the list of road closures that will affect traffic in and around the city.