Natjoints says ready to secure Ramaphosa’s first address to Parliament

Load shedding

Cape Town — With President Cyril Ramaphosa gearing up for his first address to Parliament on Thursday evening, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) has confirmed its readiness to oversee the security for the event.

Speaking ahead of the opening, Natjoints said it would have zero tolerance towards any threats of violence or intimidation that could disrupt the night’s proceedings, set to take place at the Cape Town City Hall.

In a statement, police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, said Natjoints was confident the event would take place in a safe and secure environment, and stressed that law enforcement agencies would take action against anyone causing disruptions.

“We request the continued cooperation of all dignitaries, attendees and participants that will attend the 2024 opening of Parliament. Only those who are accredited and authorised to be around the City Hall will be allowed in and around the venue,” she said.

“Members of the public are cautioned against committing any illegal acts as law enforcement agencies will not hesitate to act against anyone who conduct themselves in an unlawful manner. Any threats or disruptions will be dealt with decisively within the ambit of the law,” she added.

Mathe said those who wished to protest the opening of Parliament were urged to do so peacefully and respect the laws of the country.

Natjoints was confident that this event, like many others that have taken place with no disruptions, would also take place in a safe and secure environment.
Natjoints had already successfully policed several events this year, which highlights the “competence and capabilities” of law enforcement agencies.

“It is against this background that the Natjoints is confident of the measures it has put in place to ensure the Opening of Parliament Address (OPA),” Mathe said.

A Civil Aviation Authority notice has been issued to restrict the airspace within five nautical miles and 12 000 feet above sea level to the City Hall. The area is declared a strict no-drone zone and anyone breaching the restriction will be dealt with accordingly.

According to JacarandaFM, National Assembly Speaker, Thoko Didiza, was confident that the newly tightened rules for the joint sitting would prevent any potential disruptions tonight.

“The joint rules also aim to maintain order and decorum in the chamber while promoting civility among members,” Didiza said.

“Key provisions of the new rules prohibit members from interrupting the president during the Opening of Parliament Address and further stipulate that this joint sitting must focus solely on the specific business for which it is convened,” she added.

Didza said there were concerns that the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) or the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) would disrupt the night, but no threats have been received.

“The issue with regards to whether there are any members of Parliament who will boycott the sitting? As far as we know, for now, no one has indicated that they will boycott,” Didiza said.

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Compiled by Matthew Petersen

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