PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
President Nelson Mandela introduced the public participation element to this ceremony of state.
Eminent Persons
One from each province, nominated by their Provincial Legislatures
1. Eastern Cape - Gilpin Gilbert Tozamile Matshayana
2. Free State - Mateyase Matthews Thekiso
3. Gauteng - Stephen Vusi Mbatha
4. KwaZulu Natal - Nonceba Alicia Ntsevu
5. Limpopo - Noza Phineas Mathebula
6. Mpumalanga - Nomaqhawe Christle-Angriselder Bungane-Mtshweni
7. North West - Manko Mauble Legoale
8. Northern Cape - Clement Keshebang
9. Western Cape - Philip Bam
Junior Guard of Honour
100 learners (25 each) from:
1. Hout Bay High School
2. Jan Kriel School (a school for learners with special needs)
3. Kayamandi High School
4. Silikamva High School,
Civil Guard of Honour
100 representatives (25 each) from:
1. Development Action Group - Established in 1986 as an organisation offering technical and professional advice to community groups threatened with forced removals. Urban focus
2. Simunye Development Project - Community-based organisation in Gugulethu, focusing on poverty alleviation
3. Social Change Assistance Trust - In existence for more than 26 years. Supports community based organisations by providing funds, fieldwork support and capacity-building. Annually supports about 60 rural community-based organisations throughout South Africa
4. Hope Africa - A development programme of the Anglican Church of South Africa
SPECIAL GUESTS OF PARLIAMENT
27 post-graduate students pursuing studies in science, mathematics, engineering, chemistry, genetics, sustainable development, biodiversity and environmental issues from:
1. Cape Peninsula University of Technology
2. Stellenbosch University
3. University of Cape Town
4. University of the Western Cape
PRAISE SINGER
The praise singer welcomes the President into the National Assembly Chamber. This is the first time a female praise singer will carry this out at the State of the Nation Address.
Mrs Kgato Welminah Masemola from MmaMoshalela Section, Ga-Phaala Makhuduthamaga District in Limpopo. Mrs Masemola is a well-known praise singer at weddings, funerals, parties and other official occasions/ceremonies in Makhuduthamaga District of Sekhukhuneland. She was also invited to Qunu to be the praise singer of Mandla Mandela during the official handing-over of the Mandela Tribe from the late Tata Mandela to Mandla Mandela.
The praise song will be in Sepedi.
ENTERTAINERS
Along the procession route from the Slave Lodge to the National Assembly building steps
- AmaAmbush - Cape Town based group specialising in African marimba. Have won prizes in competitions such as the National Marimba Competition held in Johannesburg and received a cultural award from the Western Cape Provincial Government. Have toured Argentina, Germany, Italy and the United States of America.
- Yona Yeth - music, dance and drama group from Masiphumelele, near Fish Hoek
At the four functions in the Parliamentary precinct immediately after the address
- Horison's Tale - Comprising Zoë Mazula (vocals); Vusa Mazula (guitar/vocals) and Gary King (keyboards /BVs) who play original and cover tracks.
- Sterling EQ - All-woman group which has won several awards, including a 2011 South African Music Awards
- Vuthela - Trio, consisting of two marimbas and a saxophone and formed in 1998. From Paarl in the Western Cape.
- South African Naval Entertainment Band
BROADCAST OF THE ADDRESS
The State of the Nation Address will be broadcast live on radio and television and at public viewing sites in all provinces. The debate in Parliament on the address and the President's reply will be streamed live on Parliament's website, broadcast live on Parliament TV DSTV channel 408 and on Parliament's YouTube channel.
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