SONA 2022: The Speech

What is SONA?

The State of the Nation Address is one of the most important speeches that the President delivers in any year. With a prime time TV audience, it is a tremendous public relations opportunity for the President to lay out his agenda for the year and give a report back on the government's progress.

The tradition of giving a State of the Nation Address is rooted in the Joint Rules of Parliament, read together with the Constitution. Rule 7(1)(a) of the Joint Rules of Parliament states that the President may call a joint sitting of the Houses when it is necessary for the President to deliver an annual address or a special address to Parliament.

Read all State of the Nation Addresses here.

How is SONA compiled?

The speech is the result of collaboration among a large number of officials in government - including policy advisors, researchers, speech writers, outside advisors and thinkers. The January Cabinet Lekgotla - which deliberates on government’s priorities for the year ahead – plays a central role in shaping the speech. This year, the President met with government leaders - including Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Premiers, Directors-General and leadership of the South African Local Government Association - as part of integrating and aligning government’s responses to challenges facing the country, particularly placing urgent focus on addressing the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality. Traditionally, meetings are also held with business leaders, labour and civil society prior to the event.

The prose in the State of the Nation Address are typically dull and sometimes jargon heavy, as the speech is designed to be a sprawling, laundry-list type of address. Poetry, inspirational and flowery language are in small doses. Some Presidents go short and others long. Just like President Mbeki, President Ramaphosa’s speeches have averaged around 7000 words. President Mandela's speeches averaged around 6000 words, while President Zuma averaged 5000 words.

The target audience consists of different constituencies. This includes MPs, citizens, trade unions, business leaders, foreign investors, foreign governments and credit rating agencies. Africa Check has been fact-checking the State of the Nation Addresses for several years. According to them, President Ramaphosa has a good track record as his statements are mainly accurate. However, some promises and commitments are not always kept. Check here, here and here.

What are the main talking points for this 2022?

The ANC January 8th Statement provides a useful preview. Following the conclusion of Cabinet Lekgotla, Cabinet spokesperson Phumla Williams said the President called on leaders to affect fundamental reforms to revive economic growth and create much-needed employment at far higher rates.

The meeting also deliberated on the challenges and progress in the fight against crime and corruption, as well as the efforts made to enhance public safety and security. It also discussed local government service delivery – including the provision of electricity, water and sanitation – as an important part of building the capacity of the State. Millions will be tuning in to hear if the President talks to the actual challenges facing the county, and whether he can provide realistic solutions to fix them.

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