No pomp and ceremony to be spared during Ramaphosa's final SONA

CAPE TOWN - National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula says no pomp and ceremony will be spared on Thursday evening when President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers his final State of the Nation (SONA) address of this five-year parliamentary term.

The occasion coincides with Parliament marking 30 years of democracy before the house is expected to conclude its work in March, ahead of the national elections.

All former presidents, deputy presidents, and house speakers have been invited to attend.

This is the third year the event is being held at the Cape Town City Hall after the National Assembly chamber was gutted by fire two years ago.

Mapisa-Nqakula said this year’s SONA will not only be about taking stock of the government’s performance over 2023, but is also a celebration of 30 years of a democratic Parliament.

“Our journey has not been without challenges, but it is through these challenges that we have matured and strengthened our resolve to build a united and prosperous South Africa.”

She said new house rules for joint sittings, which prohibit members of Parliament from disrupting the president’s speech will be applied for the first time on Thursday evening.

The Economic Freedom Fighters is currently challenging these rules in the Western Cape High Court.

“Parliament introduced a set of new joint rules with the primary aim of maintaining order, decorum in the chamber, and promoting civility amongst members,” said the Mapisa-Nqakula.

The event is expected to be hosted within a budget of R6.5 million.