It’s all systems go for 2024 Sona, says Parliament

It’s all systems go. Parliament says it’s ready to host this year’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday. At a budget of R6.5 million, the event is one of the highlights on the political calendar; President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to announce the date for the 2024 elections, amongst other issues affecting the country.

This comes as the Western Cape High Court dismissed the Economic Freedom Fighters’ (EFF) application to prevent Parliament from implementing its new rules.

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THIS IS THE FIRST OF TWO SONAS IN 2024

National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula says this will be the first of two SONAs in 2024. After that, the National Assembly will dissolve before the general elections, and after the new government is in place, a second SONA is expected.

“Additionally, the compilation of handover reports and collating legacy reports for the 6th Parliament is nearing completion. These efforts are crucial in ensuring a smooth transition and passing the baton to the incoming Parliament,” says Mapisa-Nqakula.

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PARLIAMENT: SOLE FOCUS OF SONA IS THE PRESIDENT’S SPEECH

She also says that Parliament has recently adopted new rules for Parliament that say members will not be allowed to interrupt the president during his SONA speech.

“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,” Mapisa-Nqakula adds.

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EFF MEMBERS EFFECTIVELY BARRED FROM ATTENDING SONA

This follows the suspension of six Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) members, including leader Julius Malema and his deputy Floyd Shivambu, who Parliament handed a one-month suspension for disrupting Ramaphosa during his speech in last year’s Sona.

After failing to get the courts to overturn the suspension, the EFF members will effectively be barred from attending the Sona tomorrow.

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SONA BUDGET IS R6.5 MILLION, SAYS PARLIAMENT

According to Xolile George, the secretary to Parliament, the Sona has a budget of R6.5 million, which is set to be a standard measure for future Sona events.

‘So, as we work on it, we will be able, as a standard measure after the event, to have a fully reconciled figure on how much was spent on the event,” says George.

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