Cape Town – Parliamentary officials and service providers are putting in the final touches in preparation for President Jacob Zuma’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) in the National Assembly tonight.
The ceremony leading up to the speech is expected to start at 5:35pm along Parliament Street, with the President set to deliver his speech at 7pm.
Real time rehearsals were held successfully last night.
Streets around the Parliamentary precinct have been closed ahead of the ceremony, which will include a parade by the junior and civil guards of honour, among others.
A red carpet will be laid along Parliament Street from the doors of the Old Assembly Building, where MPs, government officials and other guests will walk in and pose for pictures before making their way to the National Assembly Chambers.
The National Council of Provinces Chair Thandi Modise told journalists, most of whom were setting up their equipment in front of the National Assembly, that Parliament was ready to host the President later tonight.
A marquee has been erected in front of Tuynhuys – the President’s Parliamentary office – ahead of the gala dinner that will take place after the speech.
Security was also tight around Parliament at all points of entry with all accredited visitors being scanned before being given access. – SAnews.gov.za
