GCIS Northern Cape launches community engagement for SONA 2026

THE GOVERNMENT Communication and Information System (GCIS) in the Northern Cape is launching a comprehensive province-wide communication outreach programme tied to the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Running from January 30 to February 13, the initiative will span the pre-SONA buildup, the address itself, and post-SONA follow-up phases. It aims to ensure communities throughout the Northern Cape stay well-informed about the national government's priorities and have meaningful opportunities to engage with issues raised in the presidential address.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the 2026 SONA on Thursday, February 12, at 7pm in Cape Town, with live broadcasts commencing from 5pm. The address will outline key policy directions, achievements, challenges, and interventions for the year ahead.

As detailed in the Northern Cape SONA Activity Plan Template (Addendum 1), the programme's timeline explicitly covers:

• Pre-SONA activities starting from January 30, including awareness campaigns, information dissemination, and preparatory community engagements to build anticipation and understanding of government priorities.
• During the SONA efforts on February 12, focused on real-time information sharing, live viewing opportunities, and interactive platforms for immediate public reaction and discussion.
• Post-SONA follow-up extending to February 13, involving reflection sessions, feedback collection, and continued dialogue to translate national announcements into local context and action.

The outreach is designed to bridge the gap between national policy and the realities of Northern Cape residents, particularly in remote and rural areas across districts such as John Taolo Gaetsewe, Pixley ka Seme, ZF Mgcawu, Namakwa, and Frances Baard.

Through community meetings, local media partnerships, information sessions, radio broadcasts, and other accessible channels, GCIS Northern Cape seeks to promote transparency, public participation, and inclusive governance.

Residents are encouraged to monitor official GCIS Northern Cape announcements, provincial government platforms, community radio stations, and other local outlets for event schedules and participation details in their areas.

This targeted communication drive underscores the government's commitment to ensuring even the most far-flung communities are part of the national conversation sparked by SONA 2026.