South African President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers the state of the nation address at the City Hall in Cape Town on February 8, 2024.
JOHANNESBURG - On Thursday, President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver his State of the Nation Address (SONA), laying out government's plans and priorities for the year ahead.
But what exactly is SONA, and why should you care?
The speech is delivered by the president to a joint sitting of Parliament, which includes members of both the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces.
It's basically the President's chance to give the country a roadmap for the year ahead, covering everything from the economy and jobs to social services and infrastructure.
As the head of state, the president uses SONA to report on the progress made in addressing national challenges.
It is an opportunity to reflect on the successes and shortcomings of the government, giving citizens a clearer picture of where the country stands.
Investors, businesses and ordinary citizens pay close attention to SONA because it often includes announcements about economic policies, job creation strategies, and social programmes.