Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has confirmed that all plans are on track for the upcoming State of the Nation Address (Sona) next week.
This assurance comes after officials from Parliament made a presentation to the programming committee on Thursday. President Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled to deliver the Sona, which will be his final address before the elections.
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The presentation in Parliament follows the recent dismissal of an application by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) to lift the suspension of its leader, Julius Malema, his deputy Floyd Shivambu, party secretary-general Marshall Dlamini, and spokesperson Sinawo Tambo.
EFF MPs Mbuyiseni Ndlozi and Vuyani Pambo are also barred from attending the Sona. This suspension was imposed by the Powers and Privileges Committee after the disruptive behaviour of the six members during Ramaphosa’s address last year.
The EFF has expressed its dissatisfaction with the court judgement, claiming that it prevents them from holding Ramaphosa accountable for the Phala Phala scandal.
The party believes that the timing of the suspension, specifically choosing February 2024 to exclude their members from the Sona, is a deliberate attempt to silence opposition voices and evade accountability.
Despite these challenges, the EFF remains committed to holding the government accountable on various issues, including unemployment, crime rates, gender-based violence, and the Phala Phala farm scandal.
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As preparations continue for the Sona, Cape Town is expected to be under lockdown with most streets closed. The City Hall will serve as the venue for the event, following the burning of Parliament.
All members of the National Assembly and National Council of Provinces are expected to attend, except for the six suspended EFF members.
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