Get ready for the State of the Nation Address (SONA)! This annual gathering of South Africa’s Parliament is a big deal, bringing together the President and all three branches of government to show their commitment to working together. The upcoming 2024 SONA is especially important as it marks the end of the current administration. To keep everyone informed, the parliamentary Presiding Officers will hold a press conference on February 6th to share updates on the event’s preparations and program. Media professionals are encouraged to attend, and the public can watch via Parliament TV, YouTube, and Twitter.
What is the State of the Nation Address?
The State of the Nation Address (SONA) is a yearly joint assembly of the two Houses of Parliament in South Africa – the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces. The President convenes this assembly to highlight the government’s commitment to unity and collaboration. The forthcoming 2024 SONA is scheduled for Thursday, 8th February, at 19:00 in the Cape Town City Hall.
Briefing by Parliamentary Presiding Officers
The National Assembly Speaker, Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Mr Amos Masondo, representing the Presiding Officers of Parliament, plan to host a press conference on Tuesday, 6th February. This conference is intended to offer insight into the preparations for the eagerly awaited 2024 State of the Nation Address (SONA).
SONA is a significant event, a yearly joint assembly of the two Houses of Parliament – the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces. The President convenes this assembly in line with Section 42(5) of the Constitution. During SONA, the three branches of the state assemble under one roof, highlighting the government’s commitment to unity and collaboration.
The forthcoming 2024 State of the Nation Address is scheduled for Thursday, 8th February, at 19:00 in the Cape Town City Hall. This occasion is particularly noteworthy as it marks the final SONA for the sixth administration, conferring historical significance upon the event.
Overview of SONA Preparations
In the press conference, the Presiding Officers intend to provide a summary of the progress achieved in the preparations for SONA and explain the event’s programme. This transparency ensures that the significant event’s proceedings are available to everyone.
The press conference is planned to take place in the Banqueting Room on the 2nd floor of Cape Town City Hall at 11am on Tuesday, 6th February. Media professionals interested in attending the conference must submit their credentials, including their full name, media house name, and ID or passport number, to Masego Dlula or Malentsoe Magwagwa before 09:00 on 6th February.
Parliamentary meetings are public events, and media professionals are encouraged to cover them. Anyone interested in joining the virtual meetings should provide their mobile number to Mlindi Mpindi to join the Parliamentary Communication Services WhatsApp Group.
Public Participation and Access
The public is also encouraged to actively participate in and follow these live sittings. They can watch via Parliament TV (DSTV Channel 408), a live stream on the Parliament’s YouTube channel, and the Twitter page. By subscribing to the Parliament’s YouTube channel, they can receive instant notifications of live feeds.
As an interesting fact, the term “Parliament” originates from the French word “parler,” meaning “speak.” This resonates with the primary function of Parliament – to speak, communicate, and debate issues of national significance.
In line with the commitment to transparency, the public is invited to schedule a tour, attend a debate, and directly engage with Parliament. Prominent members, such as Mr Gabriel Nare Nkgweng of the African National Congress, provide a glimpse into the active participants in these parliamentary proceedings.
In summary, the upcoming State of the Nation Address is a key constitutional event that embodies the democratic principles of the nation. The preparations and the Presiding Officers’ efforts to make the event accessible to everyone demonstrate the commitment to an open and participatory democracy. The convergence of tradition, administrative function, and public engagement in the run-up to the State of the Nation Address 2024 is truly fascinating.
1. What is the State of the Nation Address (SONA)?
The State of the Nation Address (SONA) is a yearly joint assembly of the two Houses of Parliament in South Africa – the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces. The President convenes this assembly to highlight the government’s commitment to unity and collaboration.
2. When is the 2024 State of the Nation Address taking place?
The forthcoming 2024 State of the Nation Address is scheduled for Thursday, 8th February, at 19:00 in the Cape Town City Hall.
3. What is the purpose of the press conference by the Parliamentary Presiding Officers?
The press conference hosted by the Parliamentary Presiding Officers aims to offer insight into the preparations for the 2024 State of the Nation Address (SONA) and explain the event’s program.
4. How can media professionals attend the press conference?
Media professionals interested in attending the press conference must submit their credentials, including their full name, media house name, and ID or passport number, to Masego Dlula or Malentsoe Magwagwa before 09:00 on 6th February.
5. How can the public participate and access the State of the Nation Address?
The public can watch the State of the Nation Address via Parliament TV (DSTV Channel 408), a live stream on the Parliament’s YouTube channel, and the Twitter page. By subscribing to the Parliament’s YouTube channel, they can receive instant notifications of live feeds.
6. Can the public engage with Parliament?
Yes, the public is invited to schedule a tour, attend a debate, and directly engage with Parliament.
