Didiza hopes Ramaphosa addresses poverty when he delivers SONA
Parliamentary Speaker Thoko Didiza also expects a peaceful joint sitting with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), saying it’s changed its strategy of disrupting the sona.
National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza (right) gave an update on SONA preparations on 5 February 2025. Picture: @ParliamentofRSA/X
CAPE TOWN - National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza hopes President Cyril Ramaphosa will address poverty in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday.
Didiza says while she doesn’t have any personal views on SONA as the speaker, she thinks the president should reflect on some of the priorities he touched on during the opening of Parliament in June last year.
Didiza also expects a peaceful joint sitting with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) - saying it’s changed its strategy of disrupting the sona.
Didiza is no stranger to government having served as Agriculture Minister before she was elected as Speaker.
She says the government should prioritise the economy and address the high levels of poverty and unemployment.
Like most members across the political divide, job creation, unemployment and fixing the country’s struggling economy are the main priorities.
Didiza says creating an inclusive economy should be central in President Ramaphosa’s SONA.
"On what the government looks at going forward as issues to be addressed; issues of poverty, issues of an inclusive economy and one would appreciate how government is going to take into detail particularly year on year."
On the SONA proceedings inside the chamber, Didiza says she expects a drama-free sitting with both the EFF and official opposition uMkhonto weSizwe Party expected to be less disruptive when Ramaphosa finally delivers his speech.