R7 Million price tag behind the President’s SONA 2026 speech

12 February 2026

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.

ALSO READ: SONA 2026 Road Closures – Smile 90.4FM

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.

Dancing Against the Odds: How One Child’s Determination Reached New York

Loushe Jordaan-Gilbert

11 February 2026

Young dancer off to New York — Xiniah Lewin with several medals

A pre-teen from Mitchells Plain is gearing up to represent South Africa at an international hip-hop competition in New York in March 2027.

Ten-year-old Xiniah Lewin’s path to this milestone has been shaped by resilience, family support, and determination, overcoming early challenges that once affected her confidence at school.

Xiniah’s mother, Chantal Lewin says this opportunity is deeply meaningful.

“It’s not just about a competition, it’s about recognising her effort and giving her the chance to stand confidently in who she is.”

From Struggle to Stage

Early learning challenges made school difficult for Xiniah, while her twin sister progressed easily. It wasn’t until her eyesight issues were diagnosed and corrected that everything started to click.

“Once she got her lenses, it was like everything changed overnight. Her confidence came back, and she finally started to see herself the way I always saw her,” Chantal stressed.

Chantal says with renewed confidence, dance became Xiniah’s safe space and outlet, where she could shine.

“When she dances, the world stops feeling overwhelming. She’s focused, strong, and completely in control.”

Hard Work and Heart

Raised by her mother during her father’s absence due to substance dependency, Xiniah has always shown resilience and determination.

Chantal says she was overwhelmed with pride when she discovered that her daughter earned the chance to represent South Africa in New York.

“It was like all the difficult moments finally made sense. I realised those years weren’t wasted, they were preparing her for this.”

The Cost of a Dream

The opportunity comes with significant financial demands. Chantal has launched a BackaBuddy campaign to raise R120,000 for Xiniah’s travel and competition costs. With additional expenses for Chantal’s travel, the total cost is closer to R195,000.

“As a single mom, the financial weight is heavy. I’ll cut every comfort if it means being there for her. My only priority is standing by her side. She has already done the hard work. I don’t want money to be the thing that stops her now,” Chantal added.

Kleinmond SAPS probe Betty’s Bay baboon killing

Danielle Mentoor

11 February 2026

kleinmond saps probe baboob killing - Baboon Management Plan

The Kleinmond police have opened an inquest docket after a young male baboon was allegedly shot and killed in Betty’s Bay last week.

According to the Overstrand Municipality, the body of the deceased young male baboon was found in Silversands on Wednesday and reported to the Baboon Hotline later that afternoon.

The Baboon Management Team reportedly responded to the site and conducted an investigation where no blood trail or immediate signs of foul play were evident.

Overstrand Municipal Manager, Dean O’Neill, says the body was collected and taken to the Veterinarian for a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death. The autopsy results revealed a small penetrating wound on the right side of the chest.

“X-rays and further post-mortem examination confirmed a penetrating wound to the right caudal lung lobe, resulting in a haemothorax, which ultimately caused the death of the baboon,” said O’Neill

According to O’Niell, the projectile was removed, confirming that this was the cause of death, and was handed over to the Kleinmond SAPS along with other available information.

The municipality has reminded residents that it holds the necessary permits and training to implement its baboon adaptive management plan, using non-lethal and non-harmful tools and techniques.

“It is an offence to hunt a baboon without authorisation.”

Such illegal activities could result in penalties including a fine not exceeding R10 000, two years’ imprisonment, or both. The discharging of an airgun or firearm in a built-up area is a contravention of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000, and conviction may result in up to five years’ imprisonment and the convicted person being declared unfit to possess firearms.

“Shooting baboons not only inflicts unnecessary pain on the animal but also disrupts their natural behaviour and the delicate social balance within their troop.”

The municipality added that humane and non-lethal methods of managing human-wildlife conflict are needed that safeguard both animal welfare and community safety.

Members of the public who may have any information that could assist the investigation are urged to contact Kleinmond SAPS on 028 271 8200.

READ MORE: Final baboon action plan approved

ICYMI: SONA 2026 Road Closures

Loushe Jordaan-Gilbert

11 February 2026

cape town residents advised of road closures

Preparations are underway to ensure that it is all systems go for the annual State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday, 12 February. The City of Cape Town has confirmed that some road closures in and around the Central Business District (CBD) can be expected until 28 February 2026.

SEE FULL LIST OF ROAD CLOSURES:

This is also to accommodate the SONA debate and reply.

Kevin Jacobs, spokesperson for Traffic Services, says available parking in certain areas will also be limited.

“While signage will be installed in affected areas, drivers are urged to familiarise themselves with the full list of closures and plan their routes in advance.”

SEE FULL LIST OF ROAD CLOSURES WITH DATES:

Jacobs advises motorists to:

Limit non-essential travel in the CBD during this period.
Factor in additional travel time when moving in or around the CBD, as traffic volumes are expected to increase.
Plan routes ahead of time to avoid congestion.
Keep intersections clear between traffic light changes, as blocking them causes further delays.
Exercise patience and courtesy on the roads.

The President, Cyril Ramaphosa, will take centre stage on Thursday at 19h00 at Cape Town City Hall to deliver his much-anticipated speech to South Africans.

Pet Lovers Urged To Open Their Homes As Khayelitsha Shelter Reaches Capacity

Loushe Jordaan-Gilbert

11 February 2026

Pet lovers are urged to open their homes to a pet this summer, as the Mdzananda Animal Clinic and Shelter in Khayelitsha has reached full capacity and can no longer take in animals in need.

Marcelle du Plessis, Fundraising and Communications Executive, at the clinic says the shelter is currently caring for 34 dogs, 15 cats and 17 kittens, despite only being able to house 30 dogs and 20 cats.

“We are urgently asking the public to adopt. We have no more space and animals keep being surrendered. We do our best to refer people to other organisations, but there is no guarantee that animals will actually get there, and we worry deeply for their safety.”

Du Plessis says despite several efforts to ensure that the animals are housed in places of safety, more support is required.

“The organisation has formed emergency partnerships with other shelters, including HART, Animal Welfare Society Helderberg and DARG, who have taken some animals into their care. We are extremely grateful for these partnerships, but even with their support, we simply cannot keep up with the demand. The only long-term solution is for people to step forward and offer these animals loving, permanent homes.”

She also highlights the financial strain the facility faces, which is the only functioning animal clinic in the area, serving an average of 1,500 pets per month through consultations, hospitalisation, mobile clinics and an animal ambulance service.

“Wherever possible, we try to help community members keep their animals. For example, we’ve built fences around people’s yards so that dogs can stay safely at home instead of being surrendered out of fear of accidents. We never want to say no, but right now we simply have nowhere to put more animals.”

The public is also reminded of the Valentine’s Day event hosted by the clinic this weekend in aid of raising funds to ensure that day-to- day operations can continue at the facility.

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R7 Million price tag behind the President’s SONA 2026 speech

Dancing Against the Odds: How One Child’s Determination Reached New York

“It’s not just about a competition, it’s about recognising her effort and giving her the chance to stand confidently in who she is.”

From Struggle to Stage

“Once she got her lenses, it was like everything changed overnight. Her confidence came back, and she finally started to see herself the way I always saw her,” Chantal stressed.

“When she dances, the world stops feeling overwhelming. She’s focused, strong, and completely in control.”

Hard Work and Heart

“It was like all the difficult moments finally made sense. I realised those years weren’t wasted, they were preparing her for this.”

The Cost of a Dream

“As a single mom, the financial weight is heavy. I’ll cut every comfort if it means being there for her. My only priority is standing by her side. She has already done the hard work. I don’t want money to be the thing that stops her now,” Chantal added.

Kleinmond SAPS probe Betty’s Bay baboon killing

“X-rays and further post-mortem examination confirmed a penetrating wound to the right caudal lung lobe, resulting in a haemothorax, which ultimately caused the death of the baboon,” said O’Neill

“It is an offence to hunt a baboon without authorisation.”

“Shooting baboons not only inflicts unnecessary pain on the animal but also disrupts their natural behaviour and the delicate social balance within their troop.”

ICYMI: SONA 2026 Road Closures

Pet Lovers Urged To Open Their Homes As Khayelitsha Shelter Reaches Capacity

“We are urgently asking the public to adopt. We have no more space and animals keep being surrendered. We do our best to refer people to other organisations, but there is no guarantee that animals will actually get there, and we worry deeply for their safety.”

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