SoNA 2017 preparations on track – GCIS

THE statement which has been issued by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) has revealed that the government is satisfied that preparations for the 2017 State of the Nation Address (SoNA) are on track.

President Jacob Zuma will deliver the State of the Nation Address on Thursday, 9 February at 7pm.

Zuma will highlight what has been achieved by his administration. He will also speak on government priorities and programmes.

Preparations for the SoNA include ensuring the safety and security of dignitaries, the media and members of the public, both inside and outside Parliament.

The South African Police Service along with parliamentary security will provide safety and security as they have done in the past years.

“The Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly or demonstrations. It also allows for peaceful picketing and the presentation of Cape Town. Government and Parliament work together to ensure that people are always able to participate in activities like the State of the Nation Address. It should also be noted that government has this year moved to provide even greater public access to the SoNA proceedings. There are 40 SoNA live viewing events across the country to ensure people can hear the speech first hand, while engaging with their friends and neighbours,” said GCIS.

The address will also be live-streamed for technology-savvy South Africans who can also engage with the speech online via the government and Parliament social media accounts under the hashtag #SONA2017 .

South Africans who prefer watching the event in the comfort of their homes on television or listening to the radio can tune into their favourite station. The 2017 SoNA will also be broadcast live over 80 community radio stations around the country.

“In keeping with our democratic principles to receive and impart information more than 730 accredited journalists from various local and international media houses will cover the event to keep South Africans and the world informed as it unfolds.

“We are confident that this greater access will allow more South Africans to hear directly from the President about their country, and issues that concern them. The State of the Nation Address is an important juncture between two arms of the state where the President as Head of the Executive outlines his programme of action to Parliament, against which Parliament holds his government to account.

Government once again invites all South Africans to watch the 2017 SoNA address.