Security preparations for SONA 2024 have been completed with a large law enforcement contingent that has been deployed.

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), which is responsible for coordinating all security and law enforcement operations throughout the country, have been meeting regularly in the build up to the SONA to ensure the plans that are in place will ensure the safety and security of participants, spectators, communities living near the Cape Town City Hall and businesses operating in this vicinity.

The Natjoints structure which is led by the SAPS, SSA and the SANDF.

In a statement Natjoints confirmed the operational plan is in place and all critical role players are ready to execute their various responsibilities as per their mandate.

All law enforcement agencies led by the SAPS have mobilised resources to heighten police visibility with the aim of preventing and combating any form of opportunistic crimes before, during and post the planned address.

Residents of Cape Town, spectators and those who are operating businesses in the vicinity of the Cape Town City Hall are also advised about road closures provided by the City of Cape Town Traffic Services ahead of the delivery of the President’s State of the Nation Address.

RELATED: Road closures for the State of the Nation Address

The police have urged people to rather avoid the area around the Cape Town City Hall on Thursday, if they are not accredited or authorized to be in attendance for SONA 2024.

Brigadier Athlenda Mathe says lawlessness and any form of criminality will be dealt with accordingly, and no disruptions will be tolerated.

All law enforcement agencies securing the SONA are expected to execute their duties according to their constitutional mandate and within relevant prescripts before, during and after the main address.

While Natjoints will be keeping a close eye on proceedings, the Speaker of the house will also take a no-nonsense approach.

New Parliament rules expressly outlaw gross disorderly conduct in the house and allows the Speaker to remove members from the virtual platform for disorderly behaviour.

Meanwhile, a political analyst, Zwelinzima Ndevu says SONA 2024 may see President Cyril Ramaphosa put the government’s achievements in the last year in the spotlight, but focus a little less on over-promising.

Ndevu says this especially true ahead of the elections and in the face of the minimal tangible gains made in this term as president.