President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to deliver the 2024 State of the Nation Address (SONA) during a joint sitting of Parliament on Thursday, 6 February, at 7 pm, at Cape Town City Hall.
This will be the first SONA of the 7th Parliament since its establishment in June last year following the national and provincial elections.
Since the City Hall has been declared part of the parliamentary precinct for the purpose of this sitting, all laws and joint rules applicable to Parliament will be enforced as if the sitting were held in the National Assembly Chamber. This designation aligns with Section 2 of the Powers, Privileges, and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act, which defines the precincts of Parliament.
Attendance and Seating Arrangements
The joint sitting will see all attendees, including Members of Parliament (MPs) and invited guests, physically present in the chamber and public gallery. Approximately 490 MPs and representatives from the South African Local Government Association will be accommodated on the chamber floor. At the same time, 263 invited guests representing various sectors of society will be seated in the public gallery.
Purpose and Format of SONA
The State of the Nation Address is convened by the President in terms of the Constitution to provide the nation with an update on government commitments and to outline the programme of action for the new financial year. It is a joint sitting of the National Assembly (NA) and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), presided over by the Speaker of the NA and the Chairperson of the NCOP. The President's address is the sole item on the agenda.
Following the address, MPs will engage in a two-day debate during a joint sitting. The debate will be concluded with the President’s reply on the third day. SONA will be broadcast live on radio and television and streamed online via Parliament's website, YouTube channel, and DStv channel 408.
Ceremonial Features
This year’s SONA will follow the full ceremonial format, featuring traditional activities such as:
- A 21-gun salute
- An aircraft flypast
- The ceremonial guard and salute of the step guard
- The singing of the national anthem by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) military band
- Processions involving provincial Speakers, Premiers, members of the judiciary, the Deputy President, and the President
The President will observe the national anthem, performed by the SANDF military band, from a platform set up in front of the statue of Nelson Mandela on the City Hall balcony. This will be synchronised with the 21-gun salute and the flypast.
Cultural Significance of the Imbongi
The inclusion of an imbongi (praise singer) has been a significant feature of SONA since 1994, symbolising the celebration of South Africa’s cultural diversity and promoting social cohesion. The imbongi is selected in collaboration with provincial legislatures, with the language of the praise song determined on a rotational basis to ensure equal representation of all official languages.
This year’s SONA promises to reflect not only on the progress made by the government but also on the rich cultural heritage and traditions that unite South Africa as a nation.
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