SONA: What you need to know

Important info, road closures & where to watch

Last updated: Thursday, 12 February 2026

On Thursday 12 February, President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver his tenth State of the Nation Address (SONA), a significant event before the general elections later this year. Find out more and see the Cape Town road closure schedule.


President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver his eighth State of the Nations Address.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM SONA 2026

President Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address will be delivered to a joint sitting of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces at Cape Town City Hall, marking one of the most significant constitutional events of the year. 

This year’s address is taking place during the 30th anniversary of South Africa's Constitution (adopted in 1996), a milestone reflecting on the country’s democratic progress and priorities ahead.

South Africans are expecting discussions on key national challenges, including unemployment, crime, economic recovery, service delivery, and infrastructure, with unions, civil society groups, and political parties all highlighting priorities they want addressed.

President Ramaphosa and his guests will walk the red carpet, where the Civil Guard of Honor will welcome them. This is followed by the Flame Guard, the lining of the route and the Ceremonial Guard. There will also be a 21-gun salute, a South African Air Force fly-past and the military band playing the national anthem — long-standing traditions marking the importance of the occasion.

President Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address will take place at Cape Town City Hall. Image: Joshua Kettle

WATCH SONA 2026 LIVE

Ceremonial aspects will start from 5pm on Thursday 12 February, and President Ramaphosa’s speech is set to kick off at 7pm. SONA will be broadcast on all major news channels, such as eNCA, Newzroom Afrika and SABC News. You can also watch it live on the Parliament’s YouTube channel.

SONA ROAD CLOSURE SCHEDULE   

Several road closures and parking restrictions will take place for SONA on Thursday 12 February. 

Closures on Thursday 12 February 2026:

• 4am to 11.59pm:

• 5am to 11.59pm:
  
  
• Darling Street between Plein Street and Buitenkant Street

• Corporation Street between Caledon Street and Darling Street

• Longmarket Street between Plein Street and Buitenkant Street

• Parade Street between Caledon Street and Darling Street

• 6am to 11.59pm: Darling Street between Plein Street and Buitenkant Street 

• 3pm to 11.59pm: 

• Darling Street between Buitenkant and Tenant Street Sir Lowry Road between Tenant street and Darling Street 

• 5pm to 7.30pm:

• Roeland Street between Buitenkant and Brandweer Street 

• Buitenkant Street between Roeland and Darling Street 

• 5pm to 11.45pm: 

• Commercial Street between Nieumeester Parking and Plein Street

• Commercial Street between Plein and Buitenkant Street (becomes bi-directional)

• 5.45pm to 7.30pm 

• Darling Street between Buitenkant and Tenant Street 

• M3, Union Avenue, Rhodes Drive, Philip Kgosana Drive (De Waal Drive)

• Roeland Street, City Bound Carriageway from Newlands Avenue to City Centre

• Woolsack Drive, Rondebosch, Westbound

• Between Main Road (M4) and Rhodes Drive (M3)

• Anzio Road, Observatory

• From Main Road (M4) to Philip Kgosana Drive (M3)

• N2 Settlers Way City-bound carriageway, 

• From Main Road (M4) to City Centre

• Klipper Road: Main Rd (M4) to Newlands Avenue

• Princess Anne Avenue: Newlands Ave to Union Avenue

• Newlands Avenue: Dean Street to Princess Anne Avenue

• Dean Street Westbound: Main Road (M4) to Newlands Avenue 
  
  

Parking restrictions on Thursday 12 February 2026, 12am to 11.45pm:

• Grand Parade, Cape Town

• Plein Street between Roeland and Darling Street

• Spin Street between Parliament and Plein Street

• Commercial Street between Buitenkant and Plein Street

• Parade Street between Caledon and Longmarket Streets

• Corporation Street between Longmarket and Caledon Streets

• Caledon Street between Corporation and Parade Street

Perhaps think of someone you know who works or lives in town, that this overview can be helpful. It's a good feat for Cape Town to host the SONA each year. We're here to ensure you can work around the road closures. 

By Sarah Williams 
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