President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA), scheduled for Thursday evening at City Hall in Cape Town, will cost R7-million, according to Parliament Secretary Xolile George.
Cost Reduction Measures
The current budget represents a significant decrease from the R15-million allocated to the previous SONA. However, of that prior amount, R12.3-million was ultimately spent, with broadcasting equipment accounting for R9.1-million of the total.
George explained that the reduction in cost is largely due to a change in venue. This year, Parliament opted not to hire the International Convention Centre (ICC), instead utilizing a marquee in front of City Hall.
Venue and Expenses
According to George, the cost of using City Hall itself is minimal. He stated, “The City Hall is not costing us a lot, in fact, what we are paying to the city is little. The main cost driver is the broadcasting equipment and services.” The higher costs are now attributed to public works.
Parliament intends to continue identifying ways to lower the costs associated with hosting SONA in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the expected cost of the 2026 SONA?
The expected cost of President Ramaphosa’s 2026 State of the Nation Address is R7-million.
How does this year’s budget compare to the previous SONA?
This year’s budget of R7-million is a significant reduction from the R15-million allocated to the previous SONA.
What is the primary reason for the reduced budget?
The reduced budget is attributed to the decision not to hire the International Convention Centre (ICC) for the 2026 event.
As Parliament continues to seek cost-effective solutions for hosting the State of the Nation Address, will these changes impact the event’s overall reach and accessibility?
