By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Parliament has budgeted R6 million for the hosting of this year’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Cape Town City Hall on Thursday.
This was confirmed by Secretary to Parliament Xolile George during a briefing ahead of Thursday’s State of the Nation Address.
“We always make budget provisions for SONA. We have equally budgeted R6 million this year. This includes the delivery at the City Hall there after the debates and replies at the dome,” he said.
President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver his SONA at Cape Town City Hall on Thursday, outlining the government’s priorities, policies, and plans for tackling key national issues.
The address will once again take place at Cape Town City Hall following the devastating fire at Parliament in January 2022.
“We are fairly confident that the provisions made would be able to cover adequately,” said George.
George was joined by National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza and National Council of Provinces Chairperson Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, who provided an update on Parliament’s preparation for the address.
Didiza said Ramaphosa’s Address will be the only item on the agenda.
“We are guided by the joint rules that are there to regulate how proceedings are supposed to be dealt with and those are standing, and we will continue with those,” said Didiza.
Mtsweni-Tsipane said disruptions will be taken care of by the rules.
“We are confident the proceedings will run very smoothly because it is clear to us all as members what is the business of the day and how we must conduct ourselves. If you act outside, the rules empower the presiding officers to take appropriate action,” Mtsweni-Tsipane said.
Didiza also said nearly 2 000 guests are expected to attend SONA.
Former presidents Thabo Mbeki, Kgalema Motlanthe, and Jacob Zuma will be in attendance as well as other former parliamentary presiding officers.
Didiza said the SONA proceedings will retain a full ceremonial format, including a 21-gun salute, an aircraft fly-past, and a ceremonial guard, among other things.
The presiding officers were asked to respond to calls from some quarters for the scaling down of the pomp and ceremony ahead of the event in honour of the 14 SANDF soldiers who died in the DRC.
The DA wrote to Didiza, saying it would be inappropriate for government officials and dignitaries to be entertained by grand military displays while soldiers are dying on foreign soil.
Didiza acknowledged the request by saying the matter had been referred to the SANDF.
“We do note that there has been a request by some parties that maybe the defence may need to relook as to how those ceremonial proceedings, in particular by the defence force, need to take into consideration the situation of our fallen soldiers in the DRC. That matter has been forwarded by parliament to the defence force to reflect on it as this is their responsibility.”