CAPE TOWN -In the pomp and ceremony of Thursday's State of the Nation Address (SONA), the defense force had a mishap that created a serious, but light moment of the day.
During the 21-gun salute, a fire broke out in the area where the cannons were placed. SANDF members could be seen running back and forth with buckets of water, and one with a veldfire beater, trying to stop the flames from spreading.
South Africa is a movie.
During the 21 guns salute, the SANDF cannon jammed and nearly injured and killed SANDF members 😂😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/Hx38y0iMeL— Sir Lebona Cabonena (@LCabonena) February 12, 2026
Firearm specialist, James Bristow says this is rare. A former army man himself, Bristow says the reaction by the army is not unusual.
Blank rounds are used in mordern 21-gun salutes. Though safe, black rounds do have a small dose of gunpowder, better known as, nitrocellulose.
It is the essential raw material used for all propellants and combustible components and it is also used for the production of civil explosive.
Even in small doses, nitrocellulose is still combustable.
"There is a possibility it might ignite while leaving the canon of firearm holster," says Bristow.
"That is why it is important to prepare for any eventuality," he adds.
Such eventualities for the defence force would be buckets of sand, buckets of water and veldfire beater.
"You have to consider safety and the safety of everyone present and nearby," says Bristow.
The army men at the SONA were clearly prepared, despite viewers and those on social media not thinking that to be the case.
Why they don't check their machines before us3
— Great Africa. (@MrSPinde) February 12, 2026
Very symbolic. Smoke and mirrors.
— Brakanjan (@Fouch79) February 12, 2026
Cape Town was windy for most of the week, which would have flared the flames. It is a good sign that our military was prepared