National Assembly Speaker Didiza expects SONA to go ahead without a glitch

CAPE TOWN - National Assembly speaker, Thoko Didiza expects Thursday's State of the Nation Address (SONA) to go ahead without any glitches or disruptions.

Didiza said she expected all National Assembly and National Council of Provinces (NCOP) members to be cognisant of the joint rules of Parliament on Thursday night, and when debating the speech next week.

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to deliver his first SONA under the Government of National Unity (GNU) when he takes to the stage at 7 pm.

Thursday marks President Ramaphosa’s eighth SONA as head of state, with the four previous SONAs having been held at the Cape Town City Hall.

ALSO READ: Road closures for SONA 2025

But Didiza said this might be the first SONA under the GNU, following the opening of Parliament in July last year, but expects the same from the president.

"I must say we are looking forward with anticipation all of us as citizens to hear what president is going to say as head of government outlining the priorities of government and making an assessment of the state of our nation."

Previous SONAs at the City Hall have seen disruptions, with some opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) storming the stage, but Didiza feels this is a thing of the past.

"I think members did appreciate that what happened was not supposed to have happened and I’m sure all members of Parliament have learnt from that."

Didiza will preside over Thursday’s joint sitting before proceedings move to the parliamentary precinct for a two-day debate on Tuesday and Wednesday next week before Ramaphosa responds.