Preparations for Ramaphosa's Opening of Parliament Address at advance stage

CAPE TOWN - Parliament says preparations for President Cyril Ramaphosa's opening of Parliament address are at an advanced stage to ensure successful hosting.

Parliament and The Presidency also confirmed that the official opening of the 7th term of Parliament would take place on Nelson Mandela Day, 18 July, more than a month after the May polls.

Parliament will return to the Cape Town City Hall for the opening, after using the Cape Town International Convention Centre for the first parliamentary sitting.

Announcing the date of the much-anticipated opening of Parliament address, Parliament emphasised the distinction between this and the State of the Nation Address (SONA).

“It is important to emphasise that, in terms of the new joint rules of parliament, the OPA (Opening of Parliament Address) is distinct from the State of the Nation Address (SONA) and the two should not be conflated. The OPA occurs once every five years after national and provincial elections,” said Parliament spokesperson Moloto Mothapo.

He said the opening address provides a platform for the newly elected State president to give details on the vision and priorities of the new administration.

Meanwhile, The Presidency said the opening falling on Nelson Mandela Day will be a fitting tribute as it calls on communities to reflect on Madiba’s legacy and values.