Parliament says it’s all systems go for the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA). The SONA allows the President, to speak to the nation and reflect on a wide range of matters as well as outline the progress on the commitments of the state.
PICTURE: X - ParliamentofRSAThis will be President Cyril Ramaphosa’s first SONA under a
Government of national unity
The 2025 SONA will be hosted under the theme of “Harnessing Parliamentary Diplomacy for Realization
of Global Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability”. This theme aligns
with Parliament’s hosting of the Parliamentary Speakers Summit (P20) from the
Group of Twenty Countries, popularly known as the G20, later this year.
SONA proceedings will retain a full ceremonial format,
including a 21-gun salute, an aircraft fly-past, a ceremonial guard, the
singing of the national anthem, a full military band, and processions involving
provincial Speakers, Premiers, the judiciary, the Deputy President, and the
President.
Nearly 2000 guests from various sectors, civil society,
academia, traditional, religious, and cultural groups, are expected to attend
the SONA. Dignitaries who will be in attendance include former Presidents of
the Republic; former Deputy Presidents of the Republic; former Speakers of the
National Assembly; former Chairpersons of the National Council of Provinces; former
Deputy Speakers of the National Assembly, Executive Mayor of the City of Cape
Town; Queen of the Bapedi Nation; Member of the European Union and Chairperson
of the Delegation for Relations with South Africa
The 2025 SONA will again include praise singing by the
Imbongi. This practice is managed through a rotational language and provincial
selection process, which ensures inclusivity and the promotion of all our
official languages. This year, isiXhosa praise singer, Inako Mateza (19) from
the Eastern Cape, has been selected to render the praise singing. She is an award-winning
Xhosa poet, cultural ambassador, and community activist, renowned for her
storytelling and leadership in youth empowerment.
The National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces
will reconvene for a joint sitting on 11 and 12 February to debate the
President’s Address. This will be followed by the President’s reply to the debate
on 13 February.
Bush Radio 89.5FM will broadcast the President’s speech
live from 7p.m
Done by: Shaneca Cupido
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