Former President Jacob Zuma’s attendance at the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) remains uncertain amid conflicting statements from members of his party, the Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) Party.
While MK Party national spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela confirmed Zuma’s presence alongside over 50 of the party’s MPs, party member and Zuma Foundation spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi contradicted this, stating that Zuma would not attend due to ongoing legal matters.
Manyi further alleged that Parliament failed to provide a venue for Zuma to deliver what the party calls the “real” SONA and claimed the judiciary had deliberately prevented his attendance.
The uncertainty persists despite an announcement by National Council of Provinces Chairperson Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane in Parliament that all former presidents, including Zuma, would be present at the event.
Legal Battles Ahead of SONA
Zuma is scheduled to appear in court hours before SONA as part of his private prosecution case against President Cyril Ramaphosa. The case stems from a 2022 matter in which Zuma accused Ramaphosa of being an accessory after the fact regarding the alleged leaking of his medical records. The Gauteng High Court postponed the hearing to Thursday, requiring Zuma to provide details of his appeal process.
Additionally, Zuma remains entangled in the long-running arms deal corruption case. French arms company Thales, co-accused in the case, has filed an application to halt proceedings, citing the death of key witnesses. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has vowed to oppose the application, insisting the case must proceed.
With legal proceedings looming, it remains to be seen whether Zuma will make an appearance at SONA 2025.