It’s all systems go for SONA 2023, and a whopping R8 million has been budgeted for the event, although the full amount may not be spent.
Parliament spokesperson Moloto Mothapo told the media at a briefing earlier in most cases they don’t end up spending the entire budget:
The theme under which the joint sitting of Parliament is hosting President Cyril Ramaphosa remains the sixth Parliament’s focus of “Following up on our commitments to the people: Making your future work better.”
Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula says this year’s proceedings of SONA 2023 will follow the full ceremony format. Activities undertaken and observed during a full ceremony include the Flame Guard, the 21-gun salute, an aircraft flypast, the lining of the route, the Ceremonial Guard and the Salute of the Step Guard.
The President will take a salute at the platform prepared in front of the statue of uTata Madiba, which is on the balcony of the City Hall, where he will observe the singing of the National anthem by the South African National Defence Force military band.
The role of the imbongi in the SONA programme has been an important feature of this key state event since 1994 and remains crucial. IsiZulu praise singer, Mr Msawenkosi Duma, from KwaZulu-Natal will usher the President into the Chamber.
The 2023 State of the Nation Address will be fully physical and all attendees, including 490 Members of Parliament, representatives of SALGA and invited guests, will be present in the Chamber and the public gallery.
263 guests are expected this year, inclusive of special dignitaries such as Former President Thabo Mbeki, Former Speaker of the National Assembly Baleka Mbete, Chief Justice Zondo, Deputy Chief Justice Maya and the 15 judges.
Presiding Officers of Parliament briefing the media on the plans and state of readiness to host #SONA2023 pic.twitter.com/I8eyYaLpzz
— Parliament of RSA (@ParliamentofRSA) February 7, 2023
The Joint Sitting is called specifically for the President to deliver the SONA and no other business may be considered at this Sitting.
The EFF is expected to disrupt proceedings however, as they have vowed that President Ramaphosa will not be allowed to address them.
Meanwhile, Parliament’s presiding officers say they have spoken to the City of Cape Town and Eskom to ensure there is no loadshedding during Ramaphosa’s address.
If you are planning to travel to the CBD on Thursday, take some time to plan your route, as SONA 2023 will see several roads being closed in and around the City Centre.
Mapisa-Nqakula has also thanked the City of Cape Town, “under the leadership of the Executive Mayor Councillor Geordin Hill-Lewis, for once again allowing us to use the City Hall.”
