Johnathan Paoli
President Cyril Ramaphosa has set the official opening of the 7th Parliament on International Nelson Mandela Day, Spokesperson for the Presidency Vincent Magwenya said on Friday.
Magwenya said the opening will occur on 18 July, which marks the birthday of former President Nelson Mandela, which was declared International Nelson Mandela day by the United Nations General Assembly through resolution 64/13 on 10 November 2009.
The President has also called for a joint sitting of the National Assembly (NA) and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) for the Opening of Parliament and his delivery of the Opening of Parliament Address (OPA), he said.
“This day, which marks the birthday of the Founding President of a democratic South Africa, is a global celebration and day of personal and collective actions for good that honours the leader’s life and legacy.
“The opening of Parliament on this day is a fitting tribute as it calls on individuals and communities to take time to reflect on Mandela’s values and principles and to make a positive impact on communities and globally,” Magwenya said.
Parliamentary Spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo confirmed the presiding officers of Parliament, namely NA speaker Thoko Didiza and NCOP chair Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane have received correspondence from the President.
Mothapo said it remained important to distinguish between the OPA and the State of the Nation Address (SONA).
He said the OPA occurs once every five years after the national and provincial elections and provides a platform for the newly elected President to articulate the vision and priorities of the new administration, as well as marking the official opening and start of the new five-year term of parliament.
The SONA, he said, was convened and delivered annually by the president in February, outlining the government’s plans and priorities for the year and to report on the state of the nation.
The announcement comes on the heels of ANC, DA and several other parties finalising the agreement concerning the Government of National Unity (GNU), as rumours abound about a breakdown in negotiations.
In addition, the President is yet to announce the members of cabinet, with initial reports emerging, suggesting further meetings between the ANC and the DA concerning position allotment.
Many have pointed out the delay should not be overly concerning, considering the time it took for other countries to form coalition governments, with Belgium taking 541 days and Germany 161 days.
Meanwhile, the Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) party has served the SABC with a cease and desist letter saying it must stop referring to the government presently negotiated by the ANC, DA, and other political parties as the government of national/provincial/local unity.
The party said this is a grand coalition not a government of national unity and warned if the SABC fails to heed this demand, it will initiate legal proceedings.
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