GCIS Initiates Public Engagements Ahead of 2026 State of the Nation Address

Pretoria: The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), in collaboration with other stakeholders, plans to host a series of public outreach initiatives in anticipation of the upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) scheduled for 12 February 2026. These initiatives will include activations, community media engagements, and dialogues aimed at educating the public about SONA. According to South African Government News Agency, the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, will address the nation during a Joint Sitting of Parliament, which includes both the National Assembly (NA) and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP). This address will outline the government's programs and focus on the current political and socio-economic state of the nation. The GCIS explained that the outreach events will occur at various public venues such as malls, taxi ranks, road intersections, and schools. Additionally, public education sessions and civic education awareness campaigns will be organized to encour age public participation and engagement with the 2026 SONA via mainstream media and digital platforms. The GCIS has also invited the public to provide input on topics they wish the President to address during his speech and in his subsequent reply to the debate post-SONA. The outreach efforts aim to gather public expectations concerning urgent issues that the government and the President should address.