President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the Opening of Parliament on 18 July 2024.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa has called a Joint Sitting of
the National Assembly (NA) and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) for the
Opening of Parliament and the President’s delivery of the Opening of Parliament
Address. The President has called for the Opening of Parliament to take place
on Thursday 18 July 2024, as a platform for the President to outline the
priorities of the 7th Administration,” said the Presidency in a statement.
PICTURE: ParliamentThe President has asked that Parliament convene in terms of
Section 84(2)(d) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996,
read with Rule (13)(1)(a) of the Joint Rules of Parliament.
The Opening of Parliament Address will coincide with the
United Nations-declared Nelson Mandela International Day. This day, which marks
the birthday of the first democratic president of South Africa, is a global
celebration and day of personal and collective actions for good that honour the
leader’s life and legacy.
“The Opening of Parliament on this day is a fitting tribute
as it calls on individuals and communities to take time to reflect on Mandela's
values and principles and to make a positive impact on communities and
globally,” said the Presidency.
Parliament says citizens should not confuse the Opening of
Parliament, (OPA) from the State of the Nation Address (SONA).
‘’The OPA occurs once every five years, immediately after
national and provincial elections. It serves as a platform for the newly
elected State President to outline the new administration's vision and
priorities and symbolises the official opening and functioning of the new
five-year term of Parliament. In contrast, the SONA is held annually in
February. Its purpose is to outline the government's plans and priorities for
the year and report on the state of the nation. It is important not to confuse
the two addresses, as they serve different functions and occur at different
intervals,’’ said Moloto Mothapo, Parliament spokesperson.
OPA will take place at the Cape Town City Hall.
Done by: Mitchum George
No comments:
Post a Comment