All set for Sona
Presidency calls in more soldiers to maintain order in the city
PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma’s armoured cloak, which will come in the form of more than 400 soldiers who will be adding an extra layer of security outside the parliamentary precinct today, will cost the state just over R200 000.
The move by the president to deploy the army comes ahead of the State of the Nation address this evening and had been deemed as “normal” by the Presidency following a barrage of criticism.
The 441 South African National Defence Force members have been mandated to assist police in maintaining “law and order” over the five days the president would be in town.
But the EFF described the decision as a “declaration of war”. Spokesperson Mbuyiseni Ndlozi said: “As the EFF, we shall never be deterred. No amount of security and intimidation will deter us from holding Zuma accountable in terms of the constitution. We will defend the constitution to the end and with whatever revolutionary means possible.”
However, with what promises to be a tumultuous day ahead, the Presidency said the army deployment was necessary to keep troublemakers out.
UDM leader Bantu Holomisa said the deployment of the soldiers in Parliament for the address showed that Zuma was a man in a panic.
Holomisa said Zuma’s panic has led to the chaos he was creating.
Meanwhile, Parliament last night assured the nation the army would not be deployed within the precincts of the parliamentary Chamber, unless chaos broke out.
“The only time that may happen is when there is a threat to life and property, that is of such a nature that the South African Police cannot handle. Their deployment in this regard will be at the request of the South African Police Service.
“In turn the SAPS can only act at the behest of the presiding officers, except in instances where there is a total breakdown of law and order that threatens life and property,” Parliament said.
The Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) urged South Africans to pray for an incident-free address. “It is our hope and we are optimistic that a successful first session of Parliament will be convened.
“A session where the president will be afforded (to) address the nation without interruptions which will allow MPs to prepare themselves efficiently for the ‘post-Sona debate’.” – siyabonga.sesant@inl.co.za
PARLIAMENT was ready to successfully host President Jacob Zuma for the delivery of the State of the Nation address today, Parliament’s presiding officers said yesterday. “A comprehensive machinery has been engaged under the leadership of the secretary to Parliament, to deliver this important milestone in our corporate calendar as Parliament,” a statement issued by National Assembly Speaker Baleka Mbete and National Council of Provinces chairwoman Thandi Modise read.
“The expected pomp and ceremony that has grown to characterise this window of South Africa in all her facets, will be delivered to the best of our ability, in an efficient and effective manner. It is indeed all systems go for February 9, 2017, and Parliament has done thorough planning that befits an occasion of this magnitude.
“The 2017 Sona will be the 10th by President Jacob Zuma, in his capacity as head of state. He will table a programme of action for the year, and account for progress made since the previous commitments in February 2016. It will be followed by a debate on February 14-15, when all political parties have an opportunity to critique and debate the address in line with their respective organisational mandates. The president will then reply to the debate on February 16. On February 22, the minister of finance will table the national Budget.” – Staff Reporter