Johnathan Paoli
National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza has announced parliament’s readiness to host the upcoming Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) by President Cyril Ramaphosa, under the theme: “My Parliament, My Voice, My Future”.
In a media briefing on Wednesday, Didiza said following the adoption of new joint rules of Parliament in November last year, a distinction is made between the OPA and the State of the Nation Address, with the former serving as a pivotal platform for the President to articulate the administration’s comprehensive plans and long term vision for the upcoming five year plan.
The Speaker said the event not only outlines the government’s strategic objectives and policy priorities but also officially inaugurated the new parliamentary term.
“It symbolises the continuity of democratic governance and sets the stage for legislative and executive collaboration in addressing national challenges and pursuing the country’s development goals,” she said.
Some of the key provisions of the new rules include the prohibition of members from interrupting the President during the address and further stipulate that this joint sitting must focus solely on the specific business for which it is convened.
“These measures are designed to preserve the dignity of Parliament and underscore the importance of these addresses in shaping the nation’s legislative and development agenda,” Didiza said.
Didiza said this year’s OPA held particular significance, as it coincides with the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the country’s democracy.
In addition, it takes place on Nelson Mandela day, and the speaker said it resonates with Parliament’s commitment to the ideals of democracy, freedom, equality and service to humanity.
“This OPA is truly historic as it is taking place under unique, complex, and testing political conditions in our nation following the outcome of the provincial and national elections,” she said.
The speaker outlined the developments since the elections, including arranging and onboarding all 454 members of Parliament across both houses, the first sitting of the NA and the National Council of Provinces, the election of presiding officers, establishing committees and electing chairpersons, office-bearers and the debate of departmental budget votes.
Didiza said in light of the ongoing construction on the parliamentary precinct, the OPA will take place at the Cape Town City Hall on Thursday evening at seven, following its designation in accordance with section 2 of the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures act.
The event will retain full ceremonial features, with a display of military pageantry conducted by the South African National Defence Force, including a performance by the military band, precision drills and a display showcasing the skills and traditions of the armed forces.
The President is expected to kick off the proceedings, with the military choir performing the national anthem, times to coincide with a display of the 21-gun salute.
Attendees include MPs, representative of the South African Local Government Association, with members of public and media will be accommodated both in the public gallery of the hall and in the overflow area adjacent to the City Hall.
Other guests include the country’s former Presidents, Deputy Presidents, Speakers, the Chief Justice and the Deputy Chief justice, 15 judges, the executive mayor of Cape Town and 9 eminent persons representing each of the provinces.
Others prominent guests invited include representatives from various international and regional multilateral organisations, parliamentary associations, and legislative bodies.
Didiza said the upcoming address will include the cultural tradition of an Imbongi who will perform in Tshivenda, chosen through a rotational selection process to ensure fair representation of the country’s linguistic diversity.
“The Imbongi’s role extends far beyond mere performance; they are tasked with poetically reflecting on the socio-economic and political state of our nation, offering insightful commentary on the country’s rich cultural tapestry,” she said.
Lutendo Evens Mugagadeli, widely known as “Vendaboy Poet,” is the chosen Imbongi for the upcoming address.
Didiza said Parliament will collaborate with Proudly South Africa in order to promote the use of locally produced attire in order to boost the local economy.
The Speaker concluded by saying that the event not only marked the beginning of the seventh term of parliament, but reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to constitutional democracy.
“It serves as a powerful symbol of our nation’s ability to overcome adversity and continue the important work of governance,” she added.
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