By Ofentse Mokae
09 February 2010
With two days left before parliament officially opens its doors, staff at the country’s legislative seat are up in arms finalising last minute preparations for the big day.
This year history will be made as head of state, President Jacob Zuma will deliver his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) in the evening for the first time in the history of parliament.
Addressing the media today National Assembly Speaker Max Sisulu said this was necessary as the sole aim for the change is to enable as many South Africans as possible to be part of the vital event on the country’s political calendar.
“The State of the Nation Address is an important occasion when the President addresses the nation as Head of State,” Sisulu said.
Sisulu said this is taking stock of the country’s domestic and foreign situation and uniting the nation around a common understanding.
“We will review everything in this regard after the event and determine how we
want to handle it in the future,” added Sisulu.
His deputy Nomaindia Mfeketo said although traffic will slightly be affected, she however emphised that every effort is taken to ensure less congestion on the city’s roads while the presidential entourage makes its entry to the parliamentary precinct.
There will be a mounted police escourt and a military ceremonial motor escort, the lining of the President’s route by the SANDF, a ceremonial guard and a fly-past by the SA Air Force.
The 2010 SONA coincides with the 20th year commemoration of the release of former president Nelson Mandela from prison in February 1990.
In honour of the legendary freedom fighter, this year’s theme is “Celebrate the legacy of Mandela-contribute to nation building”.
09 February 2010
With two days left before parliament officially opens its doors, staff at the country’s legislative seat are up in arms finalising last minute preparations for the big day.
This year history will be made as head of state, President Jacob Zuma will deliver his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) in the evening for the first time in the history of parliament.
Addressing the media today National Assembly Speaker Max Sisulu said this was necessary as the sole aim for the change is to enable as many South Africans as possible to be part of the vital event on the country’s political calendar.
“The State of the Nation Address is an important occasion when the President addresses the nation as Head of State,” Sisulu said.
Sisulu said this is taking stock of the country’s domestic and foreign situation and uniting the nation around a common understanding.
“We will review everything in this regard after the event and determine how we
want to handle it in the future,” added Sisulu.
His deputy Nomaindia Mfeketo said although traffic will slightly be affected, she however emphised that every effort is taken to ensure less congestion on the city’s roads while the presidential entourage makes its entry to the parliamentary precinct.
There will be a mounted police escourt and a military ceremonial motor escort, the lining of the President’s route by the SANDF, a ceremonial guard and a fly-past by the SA Air Force.
The 2010 SONA coincides with the 20th year commemoration of the release of former president Nelson Mandela from prison in February 1990.
In honour of the legendary freedom fighter, this year’s theme is “Celebrate the legacy of Mandela-contribute to nation building”.
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