WATCH: President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers the 2024 State of the Nation Address

Cape Town City Hall was a flurry of activity on Thursday in preparation for the State of the Nation address, to be delivered by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The festivities started long before Ramaphosa stood to deliver his speech, with glitz and glamour taking centre stage on the red carpet.

Ministers, MPs and guests led the way into the hall before hearing the last State of the Nation of the current government.

The country will head to the polls later this year, and Ramaphosa was expected to address many of the successes his administration has achieved, in the hope of securing another term for the ANC government.

WATCH: SONA 2024 FESTIVITIES AND RAMAPHOSA’S SPEECH

Among the hot topics addressed was the ongoing electricity crisis, the rising cost of living, crime and corruption.

Social grants, including the R350 social relief of distress grant, was also a hot topic. About 26.5 million people receive social grants every month. There are also plans for the possible introduction of a basic income grant.

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There was mention of the controversial National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill which is currently sitting on the president’s desk. Business groups BUSA and B4SA have urged President Ramaphosa to check if the NHI Bill follows the constitution before signing it into law as it is now.

Ramaphosa promised to address port and rail issues in his last address, and again addressed the issue.

Delays at ports led to a grim Christmas for some, costing the economy billions, while commuters and businesses have long ditched rail for the road.