Parliament, Wednesday, 8 January 2025 – President Cyril Ramaphosa has requested Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Thoko Didiza, and Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Ms Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, to convene a Joint Sitting of Parliament on Thursday, 6 February 2025 at 19:00. During this sitting, to be held at the Cape Town City Hall, he will deliver the first State of the Nation Address (SONA) of the 7th democratic Parliament.
President Ramaphosa calls this joint sitting in accordance with Section 84(2)(d) of the Constitution and Rule 13(1)(a) of the Joint Rules of Parliament. The Constitution states that the President is responsible for summoning the National Assembly, the National Council of Provinces or Parliament, to an extraordinary sitting to conduct special business.
During SONA, the President highlights achievements, flags challenges, and outlines interventions for the coming financial year. This address marks the official start of the parliamentary programme and sets out the government's key policy objectives and deliverables for the year ahead.
Online applications for accreditation are open to all members of the media wishing to cover the ceremonial procession and the State of the Nation Address from Parliament. Applications can be made on the following link https://tinyurl.com/sasona2025 and should be completed by 17:00 on Friday, 10 January 2025.
NB: MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA ARE URGED TO APPLY WITHIN THE SET TIMEFRAME. NO EXTENSION SHALL BE GRANTED AFTER THE CLOSING DATE.
Information required on the online application form includes:
• Full name as it appears on the identity document
• ID number
• Name of media organisation and media group
• Designation (writer, photographer)
• Email address, telephone number, and mobile phone number
Media requesting to broadcast from the parliamentary precinct must also provide the following additional information:
• Make and registration number(s) of vehicle(s) needed for broadcast
• Service provider clearance certificates for proposed temporary broadcast-related structures
• Other equipment
• Date and time of arrival and departure
For assistance with media accreditation, please contact:
• Masego Dlula, mdlula@parliament.gov.za, 081 715 9398
• Malentsoe Magwagwa, mmagwagwa@parliament.gov.za, 081 716 5824)
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Enquiries: Moloto Mothapo, Parliament Spokesperson
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