Cape Town – National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has announced that former president Jacob Zuma has been invited to the 2024 State of the Nation Address (Sona), set to take place at Cape Town City Hall.
The event, marking 30 years of South Africa’s democracy, is expected to have over 400 attendees.
Special guests include former presidents Thabo Mbeki and Kgalema Motlanthe, National Assembly Speaker Baleka Mbete, Chief Justice Zondo, and Deputy Chief Justice Maya.
“All attendees, including members of Parliament and invited guests, will be physically present in both the chamber and the public gallery. Approximately 490 Members of Parliament and representatives of the South African Local Government Association [Salga] will be seated in the chamber,” Mapisa-Nqakula said while addressing the media on Tuesday.
New rules have been introduced to maintain order, preventing interruptions during the president’s address.
The budget for the Sona is estimated at nearly R7 million, with R6.5 million allocated.
The Presiding Officers of Parliament, led by National Assembly Speaker Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and National Council of Provinces Chairperson, Mr Amos Masondo, held a media briefing at the Cape Town City Hall on preparations to host the State of the Nation Address #SONA2024 pic.twitter.com/YOeSub6Y5R
— Parliament of RSA (@ParliamentofRSA) February 6, 2024
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
