It’s all systems go for Sopa 2019

Speaker of the Provincial Legislature Polly Boshielo and her deputy, Lehlogonolo Masoga are expected to preside over a sitting of the official opening of the Legislature scheduled for tomorrow (Friday) at the Jack Botes Hall during which Premier Stan Mathabatha would deliver the last State of the Province Address (Sopa) in the fifth legislature term.
Mathabatha is anticipated to highlight his administration’s successes in the delivery of services to the people of Limpopo in the current legislature term. Mathabatha is also expected to officially outline programmes that government departments will be undertaking for the incoming financial year of 2019/20.
In her speech delivered at the Pre-Sopa media briefing at Jack Botes Council Chamber Boardroom on Tuesday, Boshielo emphasised that all Sopas were important but cautioned that this one stands out as it is the last Sopa that Mathabatha would deliver under the current fifth term of legislature. She further stressed that the occasion has prompted them to accommodate more people hence they have once again chose to host the Sopa at Jack Botes Hall as compared to previous sessions that were held at the Legislative Chamber in Lebowakgomo.
Boshielo outlined that by Tuesday, they had a total of 800 guests who confirmed attendance and the number was expected to increase: “We have made provision for overflow to accommodate all our guests. Attendees are requested to bring their invitation cards for accreditation purposes at the Help Desk which will be located opposite Jack Botes Hall in Bodenstein Street. In the spirit of embracing cultural diversity in the province, the Bapedi and Indian traditional groups together with Legislature Choir will entertain guests during different intervals on the day.”
Security personnel and emergency medical teams will be at the venue to ensure safety of the guests and attend to any medical eventualities. Boshielo indicated that the address will be live on various television channels and community radio stations in Limpopo and concluded by saying the Sopa event would start at 10:00 and advised all the guests to be at the venue an hour early. The Sopa would be followed by the provincial budget address which is anticipated to be delivered by Provincial Treasury MEC Rob Tooley at the Legislative Chamber in Lebowakgomo on 5 March.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) Limpopo Premier Candidate, Jacques Smalle was expected to deliver his Alternative State of the Province Address (ASOPA) in Ga-Mamotintane village outside Mankweng yesterday (Wednesday) ahead of Mathabatha’s address which the party termed ‘State of No Progress Address’. Information provided by the party indicated that Smalle would outline the unfulfilled promises and failures of the African National Congress and the DA’s plan of action when they ‘take over’ after the national general elections set for 8 May.

Story: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za