Meet Khoi-San poet Ria Reen: the imbongi bringing hope to Sona 2026

Cape Town is alive today. The streets are buzzing with excitement, not just for the political spectacle that is the State of the Nation Address (Sona), but for the cultural and sartorial significance that transforms this annual event into an unmissable moment. 

At the heart of it all? The imbongi, whose words carry a message of hope, history, and heritage to the nation.

This year, the honour belongs to Ria Reen, a Khoi-San woman from the Northern Cape, whose poetic voice will set the tone for the night.

For those unfamiliar, Sona isn’t just another political event. It’s South Africa’s grandest stage, where tradition and governance meet in a dazzling display of unity. 

Amid the sweeping gowns, tailored suits and symbolic regalia, the imbongi’s role stands out as a cultural bridge between the past and the present. And yet, this year feels different. There’s an air of something transcendent, an emotional undercurrent carried by Ria's powerful presence and poetic offering.

Meeting Reen ahead of the event was like stepping into a living, breathing connection to South Africa’s ancestral roots. She adorned traditional Khoi-San-inspired garments and looked understated and elegant.

“To be honest, when they told me I was chosen, I cried,” she admitted, her voice trembling with emotion. 

“People always look down on us. Where I come from, we are almost invisible. But now, I get to represent my community, my ancestors, my people.”

Reen hails from Platfontein, near Kimberley, where her community still speaks Qunta, a San language spoken by only a few thousand.

Tonight, her words will echo through Cape Town City Hall, carrying the weight of history and the hopes of the nation. “This isn’t just about me,” she said. 

“It’s about my people being seen, being heard, and being counted.”

As Reen takes her place, the first voice the nation will hear tonight, she wants us to take. “I am the daughter of the first fire. And I am here to bless you all.”

Fashion meets functionality: The Sona style parade

While President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address is the evening’s centrepiece, the Sona red carpet is where politics meets haute couture. Parliamentarians, celebrities and dignitaries descend on Cape Town in a riot of bold colours, traditional designs, and cutting-edge fashion.

The theme for 2026? “A Rainbow Nation Reimagined” is a nod to South Africa’s diversity and resilience.

From Xhosa beadwork to Zulu-inspired silhouettes, the fashion on display is more than just eye candy; it's a statement of identity, unity and pride. 

“When I walk into that hall,” she said, “I’m not just representing myself. I’m carrying the stories of my ancestors, the struggles of my community, and the dreams of every young girl who feels unseen.”

Reen’s poem, which will precede Ramaphosa’s address, carries a deeply personal message for the nation.

“I will bless the President for the South African nation,” she shared. “And I will remind him that our children are crying for their future. The rainbow nation isn’t just an idea, it's all of us, together. My words are for the people who feel forgotten but still dream of a better tomorrow.”

Her words are as much a mirror for the nation’s struggles as they are a call to action. South Africa faces economic uncertainty, social pressures and growing disillusionment. Yet Reen’s message is one of faith.

“When I arrived in Cape Town, it rained,” she said, smiling. “For me, that’s always a blessing from my ancestors. It’s a sign that something is going to change. And I believe 2026 will be the year we see that change.”

As the president prepares to take the podium, it’s impossible to ignore the symbolism of the event.

Held at Cape Town City Hall, the venue itself is a reminder of resilience, chosen after fire ravaged the National Assembly building in 2022.

This year’s Sona also coincides with the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s Constitution, a document that enshrines the very values Reen’s presence represents: dignity, equality and freedom.

But beyond the speeches and symbolism, Sona is an emotional experience. It’s where South Africans tune in, not just to hear policies, but to feel seen, acknowledged and inspired.

And tonight, through the voice of a young San woman, the country will hear a message that transcends politics, a message of unity, hope and heritage.