What you should know about the 2024 State of the Nation Address

All eyes will be on Cape Town City Hall tonight as President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers the State of the Nation Address (Sona) to a joint sitting of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces. This highly anticipated event marks the final Sona for the current administration, carrying the weight of public expectation and holding immense significance for the nation’s future.

Sona 2024 is scheduled to start at 19:00.

SA News reports that strict measures will be implemented this year to avoid unnecessary disruptions.

National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe  said the new joint rules are aimed at maintaining order, decorum in the chamber, and promoting civility among members.

“These rules, set to be implemented for the first time during this State of the Nation Address, are an essential step in ensuring that the proceedings, including the Sona, and the opening of parliament are conducted with the respect and seriousness they deserve.

“In terms of the new rules, no member is allowed to interrupt the president while delivering the State of the Nation Address. Similarly, interruptions are prohibited during the president’s speech at the opening of parliament. Additionally these rules stipulate that no other business may be considered during a joint sitting other than the specific business for which the joint sitting is convened,” Mapisa-Nqakula explained.

What is Sona?

Sona is a joint sitting of the two Houses of Parliament – the National Assembly and the NCOP – presided over jointly by the speaker and the chairperson of the NCOP. It brings together the three arms of the state under one roof.

Convened by the president as per the constitution, Sona serves to update the nation on government commitments and to outline the government’s programme of action for the new financial year.

“The president’s speech is the sole agenda item. Following this, members of parliament will engage in a two-day joint debate on the address, with the president’s reply scheduled for the subsequent day.

“As of February 1, Cape Town City Hall has been designated as the parliamentary precinct, in accordance with Section 2 of the Powers, Privileges, and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act [of 2004],” she said.

Sona will be broadcast live on radio and TV and streamed live on parliament’s website, DStv channel (408), and YouTube channel.

“The Cape Town City Hall will also host the two-day debate on the President’s address, featuring a joint sitting of the Houses, and the president’s reply to the debate.

“Additionally, it will be the venue for the minister of finance’s budget speech, scheduled a few days later. All attendees, including members of parliament and invited guests, will be attending physically,” Mapisa-Nqakula said.

Proceedings

Approximately 490 Members of Parliament and representatives of the South African Local Government Association will be seated in the chamber.

“These Sona proceedings will maintain the full ceremonial format of previous years. The activities include a 21-gun salute, an aircraft flypast, a ceremonial guard, the step guard salute, the singing of the national anthem, a full military band, and ceremonial processions involving provincial speakers, premiers, the judiciary, the deputy president, and the president.

“The president will take a salute on the platform in front of the Madiba statue, located on the City Hall balcony. This position offers an optimal view of the national anthem performance by the South African National Defence Force military band, synchronised with the 21-gun salute and flypast,” the speaker said.

The critical element of public participation of the involvement of the junior guard of honour and eminent persons has been reinstated. The Junior Guard of Honour consists of 100 learners, selected from four schools in the Western Cape.

“The praise singer tasked with ushering the president into the house is Senziwe Hatty Maliba, also known as Nkosatane Nziwe, a 24-year-old woman from the Nkomazi Municipality in Mpumalanga. The choice of language for the Imbongi is determined through a rotational selection process, and SiSwati has been chosen as the language for this occasion,” Mapisa-Nqakula said. – SAnews.gov.za

Safety

National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said in a statement that the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) is ‘satisfied that all deployments are in place to ensure Sona 2024 takes place in a peaceful, as well as a safe and secure environment’.

Natjoints is led by the SAPS, State Security Agency and SANDF.

“Any lawlessness and any form of criminality and any behaviour that contravenes the law will be dealt with accordingly. No disruptions will be allowed and tolerated by law enforcement,” she added.