GCIS hosts country-wide community activations as part of raising and educating the public on the state of the nation address (SoNA) and what the public can expect to hear from the president’s speech

The State of the Nation Address (SoNA) is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa addresses the nation on the programmes of government. The address is delivered at a Joint Sitting of Parliament, including both the National Assembly (NA) and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) and focuses on the current political and socio-economic state of the nation.

The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) will, on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, facilitate a photo-opportunity, and a doorstop briefing by Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni on the sidelines of the Cabinet Lekgotla.

Members of the media who wish to cover the sessions are requested to email their details to Bathabile@gcis.gov.za and copy pheliswa@gcis.gov.za by 12h00 on Monday, 26th January 2026.

Government welcomes the World Bank’s assessment that shows economic growth in South Africa strengthened to 1.3 % in 2025, supported by a more reliable electricity supply, a strong agricultural harvest, and improved business confidence toward the end of the year.

The World Bank’s outlook further projects that growth will increase to 1.4% in 2026 and 1.5% in 2027. This reflects the positive impact of continued reform momentum, particularly in the energy and logistics sectors, alongside rising public investment.

Government sends its best wishes to all learners as they begin the 2026 academic year today. This marks an important milestone for millions of learners returning to classrooms, and those going to school for the first time, supported by dedicated teachers, school management teams, parents, and education stakeholders.

The Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster will visit the AV Plaatjies Secondary School in Mthatha, in the Eastern Cape, on Friday, 16 January 2026. The purpose of the visit is to support and participate in the back-to-school programme as the country enters the new academic year.

Government congratulates the Class of 2025 on achieving an exceptional National Senior Certificate (NSC) pass rate of 88 %, marking the highest pass rate in the country.  Notably, KwaZulu-Natal topped the rankings with a pass rate of 90.6%, with all other provinces performing at over 80%. For the first time, all 75 school districts have achieved a pass rate of 80% and above. Over 900 000 learners wrote the 2025 NSC examination, making it the largest class to write the examination in South Africa’s history.

Government expresses deep sympathy following the incident that occurred during the annual Mphebatho Troop Festival at Dertig Sports Ground in the North West on Saturday afternoon, 3 January 2026.

The incident, caused by a lightning strike, resulted in more than forty people, mostly spectators and troopers, being adversely affected. Emergency services responded promptly, and those injured were immediately attended to. Patients were taken to Mathibestad Clinic for observation, while others were transferred to Jubilee Hospital for further medical care.

An effective transport system is vital to our way of life and South Africa is fortunate enough to have modern transport infrastructure. Many people rely on the effectiveness of our transportation to access services such as healthcare, education, going to work and other opportunities. Government is therefore committed to improve the country’s infrastructure and to provide the citizens of this country with safe and accessible public transport.

South Africa will witness yet another milestone during the G20 Summit as we draw thousands of global leaders, media, and delegates, providing both a diplomatic milestone and a major opportunity to showcase our country’s tourism offerings.

The gathering of world leaders and delegates is an opportunity for us to showcase our unique tourism offerings. We have also worked to ensure that economic opportunities associated with the Summit and the many lead up meetings are extended to small and micro enterprises (SMMEs).

Nelson Mandela, one of the world’s most profound leaders, reminded us of the transformative power of education, particularly through reading. He believed that reading empowers citizens, sparks change and lays the foundation for societies built on knowledge and justice.