President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday, 6 February, at 19:00.
How to watch SONA 2025 live
The State of the Nation Address will be broadcast live on multiple platforms to ensure nationwide access. It will be aired on major television and radio stations, including SABC, eNCA, and Newzroom Afrika. Parliament TV (DStv Channel 408) will also carry the live broadcast.
Swisher readers can also tune into the live event right here:
Here’s what to expect from this year’s State of the Nation Address
The event will take place before a joint sitting of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces at Cape Town City Hall. The theme for this year’s address is “A nation that works, for all.”
SONA serves as a platform for the President to outline the government’s key policy objectives and priorities for the year ahead. It is also an opportunity to reflect on progress made since the previous address.
A major focus is expected to be the implementation of the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP), which was introduced to address economic challenges and drive growth.
The Centre for Development and Enterprise (CDE) has called on the president to use this year’s SONA to present a clear plan for economic reform under the Government of National Unity (GNU).
CDE’s executive director, Ann Bernstein, stated that while improvements have been seen in governance and key state entities like Eskom and Transnet, the GNU has yet to establish a decisive policy agenda.
“The formation of the GNU gave South Africa hope of consolidating its constitutional democracy, the rule of law and building a more prosperous, inclusive future. But its mere existence isn’t enough to deliver results. To assume that the perpetuation of the policies of the previous government will achieve the growth, development and inclusion we need is a grave mistake,” she added.
Social justice organisation Black Sash has expressed hope that the address will include measures to address social inequality, corruption in public institutions, and economic inclusion for marginalised communities.
Rachel Bukasa, the organisation’s representative, stressed that these issues remain critical concerns for many South Africans.
“We expect the president to speak on measures to combat corruption, especially within the institutions responsible for delivering public services, as well as strategies to improve economic inclusion and job creation for those living in poverty,” Bukasa said.
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has urged President Ramaphosa to announce reforms in three key areas: port operations, policing, and passenger rail.
The Mayor has advocated for greater private sector involvement in managing the Port of Cape Town, increased policing powers for municipal officers to combat crime, and the devolution of passenger rail operations to the city.
“We await the President’s update on the status of the long-delayed National Devolution Strategy. Taking charge of Metrorail is especially urgent for lower income households, who would save an estimated R932m a year if trains were working as they should,” the mayor revealed.
Cape Town road closures ahead of SONA 2025
The State of the Nation Address will result in multiple road closures and parking restrictions in Cape Town, with some remaining in place until 19 February 2025.
The key road closures are as follows:
Block 1
Curbside fencing around Cape Town City Hall | Closure Times | Road/Street |
---|---|---|
1 February 2025 | 07:00 to 23:59 | Corporation Street (Darling to Longmarket Streets) |
1 February 2025 | 07:00 to 23:59 | Curbside fencing around the perimeter of Cape Town City Hall, Darling Street, Parade Street, and the center of Longmarket Street |
1 February 2025 | 07:00 to 23:59 | Corporation Street (1.8m from KFC curb in taxi zone from Darling to Longmarket) |
1 February 2025 | 07:00 to 23:59 | Curbside fencing around the perimeter of Cape Town City Hall, Darling Street, Parade Street, and the centre of Longmarket Street |
1 February 2025 | 07:00 to 23:59 | A pedestrian gate on the corner of Longmarket and Corporation Streets |
Block 2
Date | Closure Times | Road/Street |
---|---|---|
4-5 February 2025 | 06:00 to 23:59 | Darling Street (Buitenkant to Lower Plein Streets) |
4-5 February 2025 | 06:00 to 23:59 | Parade Street (Darling to Caledon Streets) |
4-5 February 2025 | 06:00 to 23:59 | Parade (Corporation Street from Longmarket to Castle Streets) |
4-5 February 2025 | 06:00 to 23:59 | Castle Street (Corporation to Buitenkant Streets) |
4-5 February 2025 | 06:00 to 23:59 | Curb side fencing around the perimeter of the Cape Town City Hall |
Block 3
Date | Closure Times | Road/Street |
---|---|---|
4-5 February 2025 | 17:00 to 20:00 | Buitenkant Street (Castle to Glynn Streets) |
4-5 February 2025 | 17:00 to 20:00 | Roeland Street (Buitenkant to Brandweer Streets) |
4-5 February 2025 | 17:00 to 20:00 | Harrington Street (Darling to Roeland Streets) |
4-5 February 2025 | 17:00 to 20:00 | Roeland Street (closed up to Hope and Brandweer Streets) |
4-5 February 2025 | 17:00 to 20:00 | Parade Street (Darling to Caledon Streets) |
Block 4
Date | Closure Times | Road/Street |
---|---|---|
5 February 2025 | 16:00 to 23:59 | Roeland Street (Brandweer to Plein Streets) |
5 February 2025 | 16:00 to 23:59 | Commercial Street |
5 February 2025 | 16:00 to 23:59 | Buitenkant Street (Glynn to Castle Streets) |
5 February 2025 | 16:00 to 23:59 | Darling Street (Sir Lowry to Plein Streets) |
5 February 2025 | 16:00 to 23:59 | Hanover Street (Darling to Tenant Streets) |
Block 5
Date | Closure Times | Road/Street |
---|---|---|
6 February 2025 | 05:00 to 23:59 | Darling Street (Lower Plein to Corporation Streets) |
6 February 2025 | 05:00 to 23:59 | Hanover Street (Darling to Tenant Streets) |
6 February 2025 | 05:00 to 23:59 | Longmarket Street (Plein to Corporation Streets) |
6 February 2025 | 05:00 to 23:59 | Corporation Street (Longmarket to Caledon Streets) |
6 February 2025 | 05:00 to 23:59 | Longmarket Street (Plein to Buitenkant Streets) |
Parking restrictions will also be in place from 16:00 on Wednesday, 5 February until 23:59 on Thursday, 6 February on streets including Roeland, Commercial, Buitenkant, Darling, Hanover, Parade, Plein, and Corporation.
Traffic congestion is expected in the city bowl, and drivers are advised to check signage, follow detours, and allow extra travel time.