The Presiding Officers of Parliament, led by National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza and National Council of Provinces Chairperson Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, will on Wednesday provide an update on Parliament's preparations for the State of the Nation Address (SONA).

SONA is a Joint Sitting of the two Houses of Parliament, the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces, convened by the President in accordance with Section 42(5) of the Constitution.

It is a significant occasion that brings together all three arms of the state under one roof.

The 2025 SONA is scheduled for Thursday, 6 February, at 19:00 at Cape Town City Hall.

This will be the first SONA of the seventh administration.

During the media briefing, the Presiding Officers will outline the state of readiness, provide updates on the preparations and explain how the event's programme will unfold.

SONA provides President Cyril Ramaphosa with an opportunity to speak to the nation on the general state of South Africa; to reflect on a wide range of political, economic and social matters within the domestic and global contexts, to account to the nation on the work of Government and to set out government's program of action.

Traditionally, the President makes key government announcements during this important joint sitting of Parliament.

SONA usually takes place during February and is presided over by the Speaker and/or the Chairperson of the Council, by arrangement between them. During the week following the SONA, a debate of approximately two days is held on the SONA.

The President is then given an opportunity to reply to the debate on the third day and to close the debate. The SONA is one of the major general debates of the parliamentary year.