The decision by President Cyril Ramaphosa to launch a high-level investigation into the controversial Exercise MOSI III “Will of Peace” has sparked mixed reactions, with political parties, analysts and the public sharply divided over both the incident and the handling of the probe. At the centre of the controversy is the participation of Iran’s navy in the Chinese-led naval exercise hosted in South African waters—despite a reported instruction from the President that Iran should not be involved. The development has…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on traditional and Khoi-San leaders to play a central role in rebuilding rural economies, addressing youth unemployment and strengthening social cohesion. Delivering the opening address of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders at Parliament’s Good Hope Chamber on Thursday, Ramaphosa said traditional leadership remains a “stabilising force” and a vital partner in governance. He described the institution as the “roots that hold the great tree of our nation”, emphasising its role in preserving…

President Cyril Ramaphosa says he will wait for the Madlanga Commission to finish its work before deciding what to do about suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. Mchunu was put on special leave last year after allegations of corruption and political interference were made against him. These claims are now being examined by the commission. Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said Mchunu still needs to return to the commission to complete his testimony. “He still has more evidence to give to the…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has paid tribute to pioneering Palestinian diplomat Leila Shahid, who has died at the age of 76, describing her passing as a moment of global sorrow in the ongoing struggle for Palestinian freedom. On Thursday, Ramaphosa honoured Shahid’s decades-long contribution to diplomacy and activism, highlighting her role as a trailblazer for women in international representation. Shahid, a Lebanese-born Palestinian, made history as the first woman ambassador of Palestine. She represented the Palestine Liberation Organisation and the Palestinian…

South Africa has joined the world in mourning the death of veteran American civil rights leader Jesse Louis Jackson Sr, with President Cyril Ramaphosa describing him as a “global moral authority” whose fight for justice transcended borders. Jackson, who has died at the age of 84, was one of the most recognisable voices of the American Civil Rights Movement and a steadfast ally of South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle. In a heartfelt tribute on Tuesday, Ramaphosa extended condolences to the Jackson…

Leaders reaffirm commitment to integration, development and joint continental priorities The 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union took place in Addis Ababa, bringing together heads of state under the bloc’s 2026 theme, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063”. African leaders reiterated their shared commitment to long-term development and deeper regional integration. The high-level gathering convened presidents and prime ministers, foreign ministers, diplomats, leaders of continental institutions and…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of political detainees and the holding of free and fair elections in South Sudan, as he delivered closing remarks at the C5 Meeting at the level of Heads of State in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Addressing fellow leaders on Sunday, Ramaphosa described the meeting as “long in the making” but constructive and necessary, saying it had helped craft a clear way forward for South Sudan’s fragile peace process. He thanked…

More than a ceremonial and fashion show parade that we have observed for 31 years, the State of the Nation Address (SONA) remains a constitutional ritual mandated under Section 42(5) of the Constitution of 1996. It is one of the rare occasions that brings together the executive, legislature and judiciary under one roof, affirming diplomacy and Parliament’s role in holding the government to account and bringing certainty to the country’s political, social and economic challenges and opportunities. Political memory and…

The 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered by President Cyril Ramaphosa outlines the government’s priorities for economic growth, service delivery, infrastructure investment and the fight against crime. Constitutionally, SONA is not merely ceremonial. It is a foundational mechanism through which Parliament is enabled to exercise oversight and set the national policy agenda. In this sense, it remains one of the most important events in South Africa’s democratic calendar. At a time of persistent economic fragility, infrastructure strain and…

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday deliver his 10th State of the Nation Address (SONA) to a joint sitting of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces at Cape Town City Hall, against a backdrop of deepening socio-economic strain and intensifying political scrutiny. Presidency said SONA 2026 would outline the government’s programme of action for the coming financial year, reflect on progress made and confront persistent challenges. “The State of the Nation Address is an annual overview delivered…