2021 SONA takes place on 31st anniversary of Mandela’s release from prison

The State of the Nation Address (SONA) this evening will take place on the 31st anniversary of former President Nelson Mandela’s release from prison.

Parliamentary spokesperson Moloto Mothapo says other MPs and guests will follow proceedings virtually.

“Various categories of guests, including members of the public, who cannot be accommodated will link up through a webinar that has a capacity for 1 000 guests. The platform will be non-interactive, with no chat capabilities.”

“Former President Thabo Mbeki, former Deputy President Phumizle Mlambo-Ngcuka, former Speaker Baleke Mbete and former National Council of Provinces (NCOP) chair Mninwa Mahlangu registered for the webinar,” adds Mothapo.

Mothapo: Former President Thabo Mbeki, former Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former NA Speaker Ms Baleka Mbete and former NCOP Chairperson Mr Mninwa Mahlangu have all registered for the webinar.#SONA2021

— Parliament of RSA (@ParliamentofRSA) February 10, 2021

Road closures 

Several roads around Parliament will be closed in anticipation of the State of the Nation Address on Thursday evening, despite it being a very downscaled affair due to COVID-19.

Despite this, Parliament’s Presiding Officers say security outside the precinct will remain tight.

National Assembly Speaker Thandi Modise briefs the media ahead of the State of the Nation Address: 

Speaker of the National Assembly Thandi Modise says security arrangements outside the precinct will be conducted by the government’s security cluster.

“We will confirm with the executive why roads will be closed. As far as we know, inside Parliament, no security and that is where our jurisdiction starts and ends as Parliament. Do know, people who want to march, subject to confirmation with security cluster ministers, can say whether closures related to that.”

Tomorrow, 11 February 2021 at 19h:00, President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the State of the Nation Address to a Joint Hybrid Sitting of Parliament. @PresidencyZA @GCISMedia pic.twitter.com/e0S80hO2BR

— Parliament of RSA (@ParliamentofRSA) February 9, 2021

2021 SONA to cost R100 000

Modise says the State of the Nation Address is expected to cost about R100 000.

This is significantly less than the millions of rand it has cost taxpayers in previous years.

The usual pomp and ceremony around the event have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Only 50 people will be allowed inside the National Assembly when President Cyril Ramaphosa presents his address, while other members of Parliament and guests will follow proceedings on virtual platforms.

These include MPs, guests and media.

Modise says this year the biggest expense will be connectivity costs.

“The only cost to bear as Parliament for this particular SONA will be the cost of paying for virtual connectivity. Thus far, Parliament is estimating just over R100 000 for this whole exercise,” explains Modise.

SONA 2021 Expectations | Tackling socio-economic challenges in SA: