Live Updates: State of the Nation Address 2026 by President Ramaphosa
Ramaphosa addresses illegal immigration
Illegal immigration is a big talking point in the country, with many South Africans growing tired of the risks to the security and economic progress.
The president touched on this, but his statement left many divided. Ramaphosa said that the government will address the problem while ensuring that the fundamental human rights of every person are upheld and protected.
“This year, we will take additional steps to secure our borders. Funding to strengthen border security will be prioritised, covering infrastructure, technology and people. Key border posts will be redeveloped through public-private partnerships and will extend the Electronic Travel Authorisation to all international airports and the busiest land ports of entry,” he said.
While Ramaphosa added that the police, Home Affairs and labour inspectors will work together to crack down on violations of existing immigration, labour and other laws, he also insisted that the laws of our country must be observed by everyone.
“We will not tolerate violence and other acts of lawlessness directed at foreign nationals. No foreign national should be unlawfully barred from accessing public facilities, including schools and health facilities,” he said.
The president's statement did not sit well with some on X (formerly Twitter), though.
Ramaphosa is focused on the youth and eradicating unemployment
The president unveiled big plans to ensure that youth unemployment is a thing of the past.
During his speech, Ramaphosa said that this year, the government would introduce regulatory changes which would make it easier for businesses to create jobs for young people.
“As we protect jobs in vulnerable industries, we remain focused on sectors that will drive future growth. We know that we can create millions of good quality jobs in sectors like agriculture, mining, services and the green economy,” he said.
Sticking with issues involving the youth, Ramaphosa acknowledged that there was a serious shortage of student accommodation at tertiary institutions, saying the issue remains a major challenge for access to higher education.
"I have asked the Ministers to come up with a plan to build new universities and TVET colleges for specialised areas," Ramaphosa said.
Ironically, while the president was discussing student accommodation, students were protesting outside the venue, complaining about the same thing. Some of the students wanted the president to address them personally.
Foot-and-mouth disease declared a national disaster
Task team is a word that South Africans are tired of hearing about, but get used to it, because there are a few more coming.
The president announced that he would set one up to deal with the energy crisis in the country, and set one up to deal with the foot-and-mouth disease. The announcement of another task team drew jeers from the crowd, but Ramaphosa laughed it off, saying 'yes yes, another task team'.
He explained that the foot-and-mouth disease task team would report to him once a month. He also declared the situation a national disaster.
President Ramaphosa said that foot-and-mouth disease was taking a toll on the economy, with the government now moving to vaccinate the entire national herd.
"We have decided to vaccinate the entire national herd of 14 million cattle. This requires 24 million vaccines in the coming months," he said.
The move was welcomed by Democratic Alliance leader, John Steenhuisen, who is the current Minister of Agriculture.
South Africa to get high-speed trains?
President Ramaphosa has reiterated that South Africa will introduce high-speed rail corridors to reduce travel times drastically.
The president announced that 30 companies were keen to invest in a high-speed rail network in the country. Some on X (Twitter) pointed out that they heard this speech before.
Ramaphosa praises the country resilient energy system
The president also praised the resilient energy system, saying that loadshedding had come to an end.
He said that with loadshedding officially behind the country, the focus was now on a better energy system. Ramaphosa also praised the ports and freight rail lines.
Ramaphosa to chair water crisis committee
The president also touched on the growing water crisis in the country, announcing the formation of a water crisis committee.
Ramaphosa said the national government could not stand by and believe local government could solve the problem, which they have yet to do.
He added that he would chair the committee to ensure speedy resolutions. Ramaphosa said 56 municipalities were charged, and municipal managers would also be charged if they were failing to provide water to communities.
Ramaphosa addresses the scourge of organised crime in South Africa
President Ramaphosa noted that the hearings at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry exposed rampant corruption in the criminal justice system. He promised that he would use the Commission's recommendations to bring about reforms to the police.
"Organised crime is now the most immediate threat to our democracy," he said.
"Our primary focus this year is on stepping up the fight against organised crime and criminal syndicates, using technology, intelligence and integrated law enforcement,” Ramaphosa added.
SANDF to deployed to Western Cape
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will be deployed to the Western Cape to deal with the gang violence.
President Ramaphosa confirmed this during his SONA speech, earning applause from the gallery. Ramaphosa said that the SANDF will be deployed to support the South African Police Service in the fight against organised crime and illegal mining in the Western Cape and Gauteng.
Ramaphosa's comment about prosecutions doesn't go down well
While talking about how the economy was growing and the rand strengthened, the president earned plenty of applause.
That celebration was short-lived as Ramaphosa said that the investigating directorate would prosecute those who needed to be prosecuted. There were groans of disbelief at this statement.
The groans continued when Ramaphosa again said that the criminal cartels would be dealt with.
Source: Getty Images
President praises the country's women and youth
The president asked those gathered to applaud the women who marched to Parliament in 1956.
On 9 August 1956, over 20,000 South African women of all races marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against the apartheid government’s extension of pass laws to Black women.
He noted the famous line that symbolised their fight, "Wathint' abafazi, wathint' imbokodo" (You strike the women, you strike a rock).
Ramaphosa then praised the youth of 1976 who protested against apartheid education in the Soweto Uprising.
President Ramaphosa jokes about Cape Town Mayor's name
President Cyril Ramaphosa kicked off his State of the Nation Address by greeting those gathered in the gallery.
He got a laugh out of the crowd when he came to the Cape Town Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis' name. Ramaphosa joked that the Democratic Alliance member was nervous that the president would not be able to pronounce his name.
Ramaphosa then quipped that the name was spelt wrong.
President Cyril Ramaphosa arrives at Cape Town City Hall
President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived at the Cape Town City Hall, where he will deliver the 2026 State of the Nation Address.
MK Party has no expectations ahead of SONA
Members of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party ditched their camouflage and opted for all black for this year’s State of the Nation Address.
The party explained that the black symbolises the dark cloud that is hanging over the country since the Government of National Unity took over.
Speaking to the media outside the Cape Town City Hall, the MK Party’s Mzwanele Manyi said the party has no expectations, given that the president has failed to address promises he made in his previous SONA speeches.
“We think it’s going to be a disaster. He should have made a similar announcement to that of COVID-19; he would have saved the country R7 million. The man lies with a straight face, and only the ANC will clap for him,” Manyi said.
Students block roads leading to SONA venue
As dignitaries arrive at Cape Town City Hall for the State of the Nation Address, some students have blocked roads leading to the venue.
The students are reportedly part of those still waiting for accommodation and registration. There is a heavy police presence, as the students have staged a sit-down protest.
ANC members dressed up and ready for SONA
Members of Parliament (MPs) of the African National Congress (ANC) are ready to rock the red carpet ahead of the State of the Nation Address.
The MPs are also supporting local designers.
EFF members protest outside City Hall
It would not be a SONA without some form of protest or disruption. Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) members took to the streets outside Cape Town City Hall, highlighting what they described as government failures.
The members have placards and are chanting as they move along the street. The protest comes less than an hour before President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to deliver his State of the Nation Address.
South Africans weigh in on Ramaphosa's upcoming speech
Briefly News spoke to several South Africans about the 2026 SONA, asking them what they believed the president needed to address.
Barry M said that Ramaphosa needed to discuss whether there was any progress on tackling unemployment, and how the country's imports and exports are being balanced.
Fathima Rehman said that there needed to be more focus on the provision of consistent, clean running water, as well as a mention of the electricity issue and the absurd tariff increases.
“He needs to address the lack of maintenance overall - roads, sewers, streetlights, cutting of grass in public spaces, and crime. The list goes on. Let's not even start on healthcare,” she said.
Leané Bosch said that the president needed to touch on the water crisis as well as local government service delivery issues. She added that she hoped he also touched on fiscal and debt management, crime intervention and law enforcement officers’ affiliations with criminal cartels.
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Former heads of state to attend SONA
Speaker of the National Assembly, Angela Thokozile (Thoko) Didiza, confirmed that some former heads of state would be attending SONA 2026.
Didiza noted that former presidents Kgalema Motlante and Jacob Zuma confirmed they would be attending, while Thabo Mbeki apologised in advance.
Ramaphosa pulls ministers from SONA 2026 amid water crisis
President Ramaphosa has pulled Ministers of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodima and COGTA, Velenkosini Hlabisa, from the SONA 2026 to urgently attend to the water crisis in Johannesburg.
Larges part of the city have been plagued by ongoing water woes, but despite this, Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero said he does not believe that the situation has reached a national disaster stage.
Residents around the city have taken to the streets to protest against the water crisis, calling on the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality to do something. Mayor Morero blamed the growth of the city for the crisis, saying that the municipality was working hard to build more infrastructure.
Source: Original
Madlanga Commission expected to feature heavily in President's speech
The ongoing Madlanga Commission of Inquiry is expected to feature prominently in President Ramaphosa’s speech later this evening.
On 13 July 2025, the president established the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into criminality, political interference and corruption in the criminal justice system. It is chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, assisted by Advocate Sesi Baloyi SC and Advocate Sandile Khumalo SC.
The commission was set up following allegations made by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi about cartels that had infiltrated the country’s criminal justice system. The Commission has since submitted an interim report to the President, and Ramaphosa has already accepted some of the recommendations.
President Cyril Ramaphosa's SONA 2026: Security tightened as costs reach over R7 million
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R7 million set aside for SONA 2026
Parliament Secretary Xolile George has confirmed that R7 million has been set aside for the 2026 SONA, explaining that the main cost drivers were the broadcasting and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure.
George also confirmed that R9.1 million was spent on just the equipment for last year's event, highlighting Parliament's commitment to reducing costs this year.
Source: Getty Images
