Sona not so extravagant this year

Despite being gripped by the Covid-19 pandemic, parliament has pulled out all stops for today’s 2021 less-extravagant State of the Nation Address (Sona) by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

National Assembly Speaker Thandi Modise and National Council of Provinces presiding officer Amos Masondo yesterday said they were confident all would proceed smoothly in the first hybrid Sona, hosting the two houses of parliament and taking place on the 31st anniversary of former president Nelson Mandela’s release from prison.

Modise and Masondo said in a joint statement: “That Sunday in 1990 was a watershed moment in our struggle for a democratic, nonracial, nonsexist South Africa – founded on supremacy of the constitution and the rule of law.”

Ramaphosa’s address is scheduled for 7pm.

“Sona comes at a time of great anxiety and hardship, as South Africa and the world fights the deadly Covid-19.

“The address is an opportunity for the president to speak to the nation about a variety of domestic and global issues.

“It’s also an opportunity to update the nation on progress with government’s existing commitments and key plans for the year ahead.

“Measures are in place to ensure wide public access to Sona, while observing the necessary Covid-19 protocols,” they said.

A limited number of MPs, distinguished guests and journalists will be in the National Assembly chamber, while others will be linked through virtual platforms, including live television and YouTube.

A total of 30 MPs representing the two houses of parliament will be present, along with Deputy President David Mabuza, Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, Justice of the Supreme Court of Appeal Dumisani H Zondi, with the dean of the resident diplomatic corps represented by ambassador Bene L M’Poko, said the statement.

Parliament’s theme for this year remained “Following up on our commitments – making your future work better”.

“This highlights our character as a people’s parliament, committed to strengthening transparency, accountability and responsiveness to the needs of the people,” said Modise and Masondo.

Sona comes at a time of great anxiety and hardship.

Thandi Modise and

Amos Masondo

National Assembly Speaker and National Council of Provinces presiding officer