Didiza confident new joint sitting rules enough to manage any disruptions during OPA

CAPE TOWN - Speaker of the National Assembly Thoko Didiza is confident that Parliament’s new rules for joint sittings will be enough to manage any disruptions and ensure the decorum of the House is maintained when the president delivers his Opening of Parliament Address on Thursday night. 

The start of the seventh administration will officially kick off with the president outlining his vision for the new Government of National Unity at the Cape Town City Hall, which coincides with Nelson Mandela Day. 

Didiza said that the occasion was an important part of the country’s democracy and not even the weather could put a damper on the planned pageantry. 

With interruptions to the State of the Nation Address having become a frequent occurrence in recent years, Parliament last year tightened its rules for joint sittings, prohibiting MPs from raising points of order or asking questions on such occasions. 

Ddiza said that the usual security provisions would apply during the Opening of Parliament Address to ensure the more than 400 people in the city hall would be safe.  

"There are rules on how we manage disorderly conduct in the House and in most instances, it’s never difficult. We’ve had only one occasion where there were serious challenges."

Former presidents, deputies, as well as former parliamentary presiding officers, the judiciary and eminent guests from all provinces are among invited guests. 

The budget for Thursday’s event ranges between R6 million and R14 million, which will include all the customary military parades on big event days. 

However, forecasts of rain in the Mother City could impact the military flyover.