The State of the Nation Address, February 2017
WHAT IS THE STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS?
It is an annual address from the President to a joint sitting of Parliament. It sets out the key achievements and challenges facing the country and maps the way forward
The State of the Nation Address is one of the rare occasions when all three arms of the state – the Executive, the Judiciary and the Legislature - come together in one place and play out their constitutional roles in a public ritual symbolising the separation of powers between them in processions along Parliament Street. The State of the Nation Address is called by the President, through the Speaker of the NA and the Chairperson of the NCOP, when the President writes to them to request a joint sitting of Parliament. This will be President Jacob Zuma’s 10th State of the Nation Address.
CAN POLITICAL PARTIES REPRESENTED IN PARLIAMENT DEBATE AND RAISE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS?
There is no provision, on 9 February, for questions or debate on the State of the Nation Address. The opportunity for Members of Parliament to comment on or question the address comes during a two-day joint sitting to debate the address. This happens on Tuesday 14 February and Wednesday 15 February. On Thursday 16 February, the President replies to issues and questions raised during the two-day debate.
WHAT FORMAT WILL THE CEREMONY PRECEDING THE ADDRESS TAKE?
It will be a full ceremonial one involving a mounted police escort and a military ceremonial motor escort, the lining of the President’s route to Parliament by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), a red carpet at Parliament (from the Slave Lodge to the NA building), cultural performances along the route, a praise singer who leads the President to the entrance of the NA Chamber, a national salute by the Ceremonial Guard of the SANDF, a military band, a salute flight by the South African Air Force and a 21-gun salute and civilian participation.
With the dawn of democracy in 1994, Parliament’s doors opened to all and the State of the Nation Address became a celebration of our nation, with public participation added to the State’s ceremonial activities. This is former President Nelson Mandela’s legacy to our State of the Nation Address proceedings. Members of the public take part in the ceremony through a Junior Guard of Honour a Civil Guard of Honour and Eminent Persons (nominated by Provincial Speakers).
WHO ATTENDS THE ADDRESS?
Invitations are extended to former Presidents and former Deputy Presidents of the RSA, former Presiding Officers of Parliament, statutory and constitutional institutions, the diplomatic corps, guests of the President, guests of Parliament, representatives of the House of Traditional Leaders, the Mayor of Cape Town and South Africans from various walks of life.
Current Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament and heads of government departments attend as part of their duties as public representatives.