Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Ronald Lamola has warned against attacks on the judiciary.

DA MP Leon Schreiber said that the End Cadre Deployment Bill would ensure that all appointments were based strictly on merit.

The first consignment of the drug landed in South Africa in April, together with Cuban medical personnel.

The minister said that well-operated and financially sound state-owned entities (SOEs) were crucial for infrastructure services like energy, transport and water – all necessary to grow the economy to serve all the country’s people.

EFF leader Julius Malema launched his attack on the judiciary during Tuesday’s debate on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (Sona).

The Democratic Alliance hammered on Cyril Ramaphosa’s internal battles within the ruling party’ where there were plans to undermine him and to try and topple him.

The Democratic Alliance (DA), meanwhile, has referred to Ramaphosa as a 'nowhere man" a reference to the Beatles song.

He said the vaccines would be paid for largely by public funds while the private sector, especially private health funders, would augment this.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has targeted fighting corruption and building the capacity of the state as one of the government’s four top goals for the coming year.

President Cyril Ramaphosa also announced the extension until 15 March of the Unemployment Insurance Fund’s Temporary Employee-Employer Scheme (TERS) – but only for business sectors that have been unable to operate.

President Cyril Ramaphosa came across as the chief executive of South Africa Incorporated last night, reporting back to the board and shareholders after a catastrophic year, with murky waters still ahead.

The president's announcement on the imminent arrival of more than 40 million doses of vaccine will be welcomed after problems emerged with the efficacy of AstraZeneca’s vaccine.

ANC Chief Whip Pemmy Majodina has listed her expectations of President Cyril Ramaphosa's State of the Nation Address, but she's also said he should pull no punches on what could not be achieved by his government due to the pandemic.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver his fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona) in Parliament on Thursday evening against a grim backdrop of a staggering economy, deepening unemployment and a stalled vaccine rollout.

While Parliament budgeted R2.2 million for the event, the bill was expected to be minimal because the only significant cost would be the webinar that connects parliamentarians and guests online.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will lead a candle-lighting ceremony with National Assembly Speaker Thandi Modise and National Council of Provinces Chairperson Amos Masonda before he takes to the podium at 7 pm.

The consortium has already paid R24.7 milion of the purchase price.

Parliament’s presiding officers, National Assembly Speaker Thandi Modise and National Council of Provinces chairperson Amos Masondo, have been briefing the media on final preparations for Sona.