It’s official—former South African presidents Thabo Mbeki, Kgalema Motlanthe, and Jacob Zuma will all be present for Thursday’s State of the Nation Address (SONA).
The much-anticipated event will take place in Cape Town, where nearly 2,000 guests from across different sectors will gather to hear President Cyril Ramaphosa address the nation.
The SONA is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM, during which President Ramaphosa will outline the government’s achievements, challenges, and the priorities for the upcoming year.
Who Will Attend the Event?
This year’s SONA will attract a broad spectrum of people from various walks of life.
In addition to the former presidents, guests will include members from civil society, academia, and various traditional, religious, and cultural groups.
According to National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza, public participation is a core tradition of SONA, and this year will be no different.
She emphasized that SONA is an essential part of South Africa’s national calendar and plays a key role in shaping the national discourse.
The address allows the government to demonstrate accountability, provide updates on programs, and share plans for the year ahead.
The Significance of the Event
The Speaker of the National Assembly and Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane, highlighted the importance of the SONA in giving citizens a clear picture of where the country stands in terms of government policies, legislation, and overall progress.
Didiza further stated that the R6 million event at Cape Town City Hall has been the product of months of planning, and it’s a major occasion for those interested in South Africa’s political and social progress.
Promoting Civic Engagement and Young Leadership
This year, to foster civic engagement and awareness, SONA will feature a Junior Guard of Honour.
This initiative includes 100 learners from four Western Cape schools, selected in collaboration with the Western Cape Department of Education.
Didiza explained that the goal is to expose young people to the functions of state institutions, preparing them to be future leaders.
In addition to the Junior Guard, the event will showcase a performance from the Wynberg Girls’ High School band and the official Parliament Choir, adding to the cultural richness of the occasion.
A Ceremonial Event with Tradition
Thursday’s event will be full of ceremonial traditions.
Expect to see a 21-gun salute, an aircraft fly-past, a military guard of honour, and the singing of the national anthem.
The proceedings will include various important figures, including provincial Speakers, Premiers, the judiciary, the Deputy President, and President Ramaphosa.
Explaining the Difference Between SONA and OPA
Didiza also clarified the difference between this year’s SONA and last year’s Opening of Parliament Address (OPA).
While OPA is held once every five years after general elections to announce medium- to long-term goals, SONA is an annual address that focuses on short-term priorities and provides updates on the government’s long-term objectives.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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