Parliament prepares for Zuma’s State of the Nation Address

By Mandisi Tyulu
02 June 2009

Final preparations are underway for the country’s newly-elected President’s maiden State of the Nation Address to the first joint sitting of a newly-constituted Parliament.

President Zuma will outline his government’s five-year plan as well as other priorities aimed at developing South Africa’s economy to meet the needs of the country’s majority of citizens during one of the key events on South Africa’s Parliamentary and political calendar.

Challenges affecting the country, including crime, the widening inequality gap, blockages in the criminal justice system, unemployment and poverty, quality of education as well as the global economic crisis is sure to get more than a mention in the rare occasion when the three arms of the state come together in one place, the Executive, the Judiciary and the Legislature.

The day will begin with Members of Parliament and other dignitaries walking the red carpet to take up their seats in the National Assembly.

The event is usually dominated by vibrant colours, elegance, chic and panache shown in the different trendy garments donned by parliamentarians.

It is a full ceremonial one - involving a mounted police escort and a military ceremonial motor escort, the lining of the President’s route to Parliament by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), a national salute by the Ceremonial Guard of the SANDF and a military band (the Air Force Band on this occasion), a fly-past by the South African Air Force and a 21-gun salute.

It also includes civilian participation in the walk by the President, accompanied by Parliament’s Presiding Officers, from the Slave Lodge to the saluting dais in front of the New Wing, where the National Assembly Chamber is located.

The address is expected to be broadcast on SABC, eNews channel as well as various regional radio stations. Big screens have also been set up at various sites in the provinces to ensure that all South Africans have access to the event.

Parliament's theme for the State of the Nation Address is "Parliament entrenching people-centred democracy in achieving development goals.