SoNA 2025 set for Thursday: Key details you should know
President Ramaphosa will deliver the annual State of the Nation Address on 6 February 2025 at 19:00 in Cape Town.
President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the State of the Nation Address (SoNA) on Thursday, 6 February 2025 at 19:00 in Cape Town. The address will occur before a joint sitting of the two houses of Parliament.
What will Ramaphosa be talking about in the address?
In the address, Ramaphosa will outline the government’s key policy objectives and deliverables for the year ahead. He will also point out challenges and discuss interventions to unlock the country’s potential.
The President will also highlight the achievements of the government since the last SoNA in 2024. Additionally, he will reflect on the progress made in implementing the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP).
The SoNA comprises three parts. The first is the public participation role in the ceremony when the Civil Guard of Honour welcomes the President and his guests as they walk down the red carpet. A state ceremony that features a 21-gun salute and a flyover by the South African Air Force flypast follow this. The third and final part is the official address by the President.
The event is one of the rare occasions where the three arms of State gather in one place. Ramaphosa, the Deputy President, and the Ministers represent the Executive. The country’s Chief Justice and the Judge Presidents represent the Judiciary. Finally, the Legislature is represented by the Members of Parliament.
Road closures
The SoNA 2025 will take place at the City Hall in the Cape Town CBD and the event will result in a number of road closures and restrictions. Some of these will be in place until 19 February, according to a press statement issued by the City of Cape Town.
Road closures before, during, and after the event will affect the normal flow of traffic in and around the city bowl, as well as the available parking space.
Although the City stated that it will put up signs in the affected areas, it is advisable that motorists check the list of closures carefully and plan their routes accordingly.
Roads that will be closed include Darling Street, Corporation Street, Longmarket Street, Parade Street, and Buitenkant Street. It is important to note that road closures will be in effect at varying times and on various dates. To see the complete list with all the details, including times, click here: https://bit.ly/3EcEVix
In addition, the City has also advised residents to factor in additional time for travel over this period, as well as limit non-essential travel in the CBD area.
Members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) line the route that Ramaphosa takes to Parliament.