Taxpayers will spend more than R7 million on this year’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), with Parliament confirming that a significant portion of the cost is linked to broadcasting and event infrastructure. 

This was according to Parliamentary Secretary Xolile George, who spoke alongside National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza, during a briefing on the state of readiness for the event. 

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Although the R7,025,000 is substantial, the cost is lower than last year’s event, which exceeded R12 million. 

The 2026 SONA will be held at Cape Town City Hall again this year, and according to Speaker Thoko Didiza, possibly for the last time. This is as the reconstruction of the parliamentary precinct continues following the 2022 fire.  

“We hope indeed in terms of our timelines for the reconstruction that this will be the last time, but sometimes there are unforeseen circumstances from the building industry… that might cause delay, but if everything goes according to plan, this is the last time we’re having SONA in the City Hall,” said Didza.   

The reconstruction is anticipated to be completed between late 2026 and early 2027.

After the address, post-SONA debates, as well as the National Budget Speech will take place in a recently refurbished R30 million dome, which will serve as the interim home of the National Assembly. 

Meanwhile, Didiza noted that Parliament is fully prepared to host the event.  

“SONA 2026 is more than a ceremonial occasion. It is a reaffirmation of Parliament’s constitutional mandate to hold the Executive to account, to legislate in the public interest, to facilitate meaningful public participation, and to serve as a platform for national dialogue. We want to assure South Africans that Parliament is operationally ready, institutionally focused, and firmly committed to ensuring that this State of the Nation Address sets the tone for a year of intensified oversight, responsive law-making, and tangible delivery,” said Didiza. 

Approximately 490 Members of Parliament and guests will be in attendance. 

Didiza noted that this year’s address coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Constitution and precedes key national milestones, including Local Government Elections and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference.