SONA2021 to be held at Cape Town’s City Hall
The 2021 State of the Nation Address will be held at Cape Town’s City Hall
This follows the devastating fire at Parliament
that destroyed parts of the National Assembly (NA) and sections of the Old
Assembly Chamber.
‘’The Presiding Officers of Parliament met this
(Friday) morning to consider various reports on options available for business
continuity for Parliament's work, including the hosting of the State of the
Nation Address (SONA)… we made a solemn undertaking that, despite the
devastation of the disaster, we will not allow a situation where Parliament’s
work is derailed or disrupted in any manner,’’ said Parliament spokesperson
Moloto Mothapo.
President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver his
address on 10 February at 19:00.
The Western Cape Government and the City of
Cape Town offered the Cape Town International Convention Centre, the City
Council Chambers and the City Hall for this SONA as possible venues.
‘’The extensive damage has necessitated the
institution to find an alternative venue off-site to host this important event
in the parliamentary calendar and the country,’’ said Mothapo.
Out of the three, the Presiding Officers decided
that the City Hall was a suitable venue.
‘’The City Hall was considered a suitable venue
technically in terms of infrastructure and its capacity. It is also a befitting
place considering its historical significance which is embedded in the minds
and hearts of South Africans,’’ he said.
‘’We
have ensured that this decision to host the SONA outside the Chamber of the NA,
is taken in compliance with the Joint Rules of Parliament that determine where
a Joint Sitting may be held,’’ Mothapo added.
PICTURED: ParliamentDone By: Mitchum George
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