By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has given notice to Parliament that he intends delivering his last State of the Nation Address of the sixth Parliament on 8 February 2024.
The SONA will be momentous as South Africa celebrates the 30th anniversary of its democracy.
Parliament is poised to host two SONA sittings in one year, with the second one scheduled after the elections to officially open the parliament for what will then be the newly elected government.
Spokesperson for Parliament, Moloto Mothapo says in a statement parliament is preparing to inaugurate the 7th democratically elected Parliament following the elections.
“The year 2024 also marks the 30th anniversary of our democratically-elected Parliament, underscoring the resilience and evolution of South Africa’s legislative body.
“As we prepare to inaugurate the 7th democratically elected Parliament following the elections, efforts are being made to welcome new Members of Parliament.
“This includes adjusting and aligning our internal procedures, processes and systems, where appropriate, with the Electoral Amendment Act of 2023.
“The anniversary year ahead serves as a reminder of our journey toward a more inclusive and democratic society, celebrating the achievements of the past while forging ahead toward a future of continued progress and unity.”
Parliament said that construction of its new green buildings would also begin in earnest next year after a fire gutted the National Assembly chamber almost two years ago.
Meanwhile Mothapo has clarified that parliament secretary Xolile George was recruited through a different process – not the same one where the package of between R2.4 and R2.6-million was on offer.
“George was recruited through a different process, i.e. headhunting, than that of the advertised position. These two processes must not be conflated as they are fundamentally different. A political party in Parliament has lodged a complaint with the Powers and Privileges Committee, alleging that the presiding officers misled Parliament. The presiding officers are looking forward to clarifying this matter at that forum and dispelling such claims that they acted wrongly in any way,” he said.
There were also allegations that George received accommodation, VIP security and other undue benefits.
But Mothapo denied this.
“There are, frankly, no so-called enhancements or perks in the remuneration of the secretary to Parliament, other than a salary and employee benefits that are offered to all employees of Parliament,” he said.
Mothapo added that security for the leadership of Parliament was not determined by the institution but by the police.