SONA 2024: New rules introduced to help prevent chaos

Parliament has introduced a new set of joint rules designed to regulate proceedings during the joint sitting of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) to help prohibit disruptions.

ALSO READ | SONA 2024: Road closures ahead of Cyril Ramaphosa’s speech

According to the SA government news agency, addressing a media briefing on preparations to host SONA 2024, National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said the new joint rules are aimed at maintaining order, decorum in the chamber, and promoting civility among members.

QUESTION | Can you name every South African president since 1994?

“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.

“These measures are critical in ensuring that these important national events are conducted in an orderly and respectful manner, reflecting the dignity of Parliament and the importance of these addresses in setting the nation’s legislative and development agenda,” Mapisa-Nqakula said.

DID YOU KNOW | How many presidents has South Africa had since 1994?

SONA 2024 is scheduled to take place on Thursday, 8 February at City Hall in Cape Town at 19:00.

This will be the last SONA for the sixth administration.

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

You can also follow proceedings LIVE on The South African website.

The event will take place under the theme: “Following up on our commitments: making your future work better”.

ALSO READ: Manuel urges parties make candidates known before elections

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.

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

ALSO READ: 2024 Elections: ‘Desperate South Africans want new options’

Do you think the new set of rules will have any effect?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1

You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest SONA 2024 news.