Opening of Parliament: Some festivities on hold due to Cape Town's heavy rains

CAPE TOWN - Heavy rains and strong winds have made landfall in the City of Cape Town on Thursday morning, as Parliament’s presiding officers gear up to host a joint sitting of the house at the city hall.

President Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled to give his opening of Parliament speech in the evening, to map out the seventh administration’s plan for the next five years.

READ: Ramaphosa’s Opening of Parliament Address ‘symbolises the continuity of democratic governance’ – Didiza

Heavy rains in the Mother City have already disrupted opening of Parliament, with some festivities ahead of the sitting put on hold.

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has now cancelled its airshow, which was scheduled to be in display before the president's address later on Thursday.

It was also unclear by Thursday morning whether the military parade would remain on the day’s programme.

This as rain water streamed down the streets, with police trying to ensure the inclement weather didn’t impact the security checks.

At the same time, commuters in the CBD did not only have to contend with road closures surrounding the Parliamentary precinct, but they have had to deal with gridlocked traffic caused by the rains.