With all systems up and running, Congress announced Thursday that it is ready to host the 2024 State of the Union Address (SONA). This comes after the Western Cape High Court rejected an application by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) to block Parliament from implementing the new regulations.
Speaker of Parliament Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Chairman Amos Masondo briefed the media on the status of SONA preparations and the handover to the seventh government of a democratic South Africa.
This is the first of two SONAs to be held in 2024, after which Parliament is dissolved before a general election and a second SONA is planned after a new government is formed.
“Furthermore, we are nearing completion of compiling a handover report and collating legacy reports for the Sixth Congress. These efforts are critical to ensuring a smooth transition and passing the baton to the next Congress.” says Mapisa-Nqakula.
Parliament recently adopted new rules for members, which it has been working on since 2015. Under these rules, members of Congress cannot interrupt the president during the SONA speech.
“The president's speech is the only item on the table. After this, MPs will have a two-day joint debate on the speech and the president's response is expected the next day,” Mapisa-Nqakula added.
EFF challenged this in court, but the application was dismissed with costs.
“And those who took us to court were reminded that we have a responsibility as Congress to govern ourselves. Rules constitute what we do to govern ourselves. Courts told us to make rules only when there are no rules,” said Lechesa Tsenoli, deputy speaker of parliament.
“The first thing I want to say is that the rules are for parliament. They are not aimed at the EFF, IFP or any other political party,” said NCOP chairman Amos Masondo.
The cost of SONA has also been revealed.
“So we have set aside an amount of about R6.5 million as a budget. So as we work, as a standard measure after the event, we have a full reconciliation of how much was spent on the event. We will be able to get the numbers that are right for the country,” says Parliamentary Secretary Zoril George.
Parliament has partnered with Proudly South Africa to encourage MPs and guests to wear South African clothing for the occasion.
“The aim of this campaign is to increase recognition and awareness of local designers and their work, and to kick-start the growth of the fashion business,” Mapisa-Nqakula elaborates.
The Chairperson said the initiative aims to foster pride in local craftsmanship.
Video: SONA 2024 – Preparation briefing with Mapisa-Nqakula