Speaking Notes by Presiding Officers This Afternoon Following Their Final Inspection of Readiness to Host SONA

Press Releases

  • We have just concluded an inspection in loco, to establish the institution’s state of readiness to host the State of the Nation Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa, scheduled for tomorrow evening.
  • Having received comprehensive briefings from the Organising Team regarding this major project, we are absolutely happy with the state of readiness and the demonstrated meticulous planning of this year’s State of the Nation Address.
  • The significance of the State of the Nation Address cannot be overemphasized. Through SoNA, the President tables a report on the outcomes of government interventions since the previous Address, and outlines a Programme to further ensure the State’s development interventions aimed at improving the lives of South Africans.
  • The local, national and international interest and focus on SONA, is a testimony to the value people expect SONA to add in their lives.
  • We are delighted to confirm that the following dignitaries will be amongst the over 2000 guests who will grace the 2020 SoNA:
    1. Former President Mr Mbeki and Mrs Mbeki
    2. Former President Mr Motlanthe and Mrs Motlanthe
    3. Former Deputy President Mr De Klerk and Mrs De Klerk
    4. Former Speaker Ms Mbete and Mr Khomo
    5. President of PAP, HE Mr Roger Nkodo Dang
    6. UN Women SA Representative, Ms Anne Githuku-Shongwe
    7. Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa
    8. Isithwalandwe, Mr Andrew Mlangeni
    9. Ms Zozibini Tunzi, our reigning Miss Universe
    10. Mr Siya Kolisi, Captain of the World Rugby Champions, Springboks

  • Another testimony of the magnitude and the significance of this august occasion, is the unparalleled levels of media interests, as SoNA 2020 boasts of 844 media practitioners, who are accredited. These include domestic, international, and community media, with a significant representation of the exponentially growing broadcast and online media.
  • Following the retirement of Ms Regina Mohlomi last year, the procession for this SONA will be led by our Acting Sergeant-at Arms, Mr Tebello Maleeme.
  • We wish to assure the nation, once again, that it is all systems go, and we are ready to execute one of the best SONA programmes.
  • The formal programme for tomorrow starts just after 15.00 with performances from the military band as Members of Parliament and guests arrive to take their seats in the National Assembly Chamber and overflow areas.
  • At around 17.00, the processions of the three branches of our state start to arrive. These are the Judiciary, the Legislature and the Executive.
  • As customary, Imbongi will welcome the President into the National Assembly Chamber. The imbongi tomorrow is the 19-year-old Ms Masingita Shibambu, known as Ntombhi Ya Mutsonga, from Matiyani Village in Malumele in Limpopo.
  • The President starts his address at 19.00.