What is Sona 2024? 8 February 2024 President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the State of the Nation Address (SoNA) on Thursday, 8 February 2024 at 7pm. The address took place before a joint sitting of the two houses of Parliament. The address is an important milestone as it brings certainty to the country’s political, social and economic landscape. It demonstrates that South Africa’s democracy remains robust. In the address, President Cyril Ramaphosa sets out government’s key policy objectives and deliverables for the year ahead, flag challenges and outline interventions to unlock our nation’s potential. During his address, the President also highlights what has been achieved since his last address in 2023. He also reflects on the progress made in implementing the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP). Fast facts The State of the Nation Address is divided into three parts. The first is the important public participation role in the ceremony when the Civil Guard of Honour welcomes the President and his guests as they walk along the red carpet. This is followed by a state ceremonial, which includes a 21-gun salute and the South African Air Force flypast and finally the official address by the President. Members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) line the route that the President takes to Parliament. The Military Guard of Honour participates in the ceremony and the military band plays South Africa’s national anthem. In a general election year, two State of the Nation Addresses are delivered. The State of the Nation Address is one of the rare occasions where the three arms of State, namely the Executive represented by the President, Deputy President and Ministers; the Judiciary, represented by the country’s Chief Justice and the Judge Presidents; and the Legislature, represented by the Members of Parliament gather in one place. The provincial and local spheres of government are also represented. Why SONA Matters: As President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers his last SONA in 2024, South Africa will also be waving goodbye to an ANC national government. The lesson that each and every South African has learned from 30 years of democracy is not that the ANC has served them well, but that democracy serves them well. As the tides turn against the ANC in this year’s election, South Africans will choose a new future through the ballot box to truly take our country forward. The key takeaway from President Ramaphosa’s 2024 SONA is this: 30 years of South African democracy does not mean we should endure an eternity under the ANC. It is time for new ideas. It is time for a new government. And South Africa is ready to chart a new path under a new, DA-led coalition government that will govern with the interests of the people at heart. And when this government is elected, and formed after the 2024 general elections, so then will our country have a true, and exciting SONA to look forward to as we truly realise the vision of a free, and prosperous South Africa.