Police Minister Senzo Mchunu says police management are satisfied with the state of readiness for tonight's State of the Nation Address (SONA).
“[Police] members will now be deployed and we are confident that they will execute their duties with integrity and the utmost professionalism,” Mchunu said.
Addressing the police officers deployed in Cape Town ahead of tonight's State of the Nation Address, Mchunu said they would play a vital role in maintaining safety and security.
“We stand ready today and beyond,” said Mchunu.
The police stand ready to ensure that the State of the Nation Address goes as smoothly as possible.
“All the objectives of the preparations as far as safety is concerned are going to be realised,” Mchunu said, adding that they had received all the reports on preparations to ensure that tonight’s State of the Nation Address goes smoothly.
“You are on duty. You are going to be in the spotlight, not only for us who are here, but throughout the Republic and outside the Republic, all eyes are going to be on you. You u are going to share the spotlight with the Head of State while performing his duties.
“All eyes are going to be around him in terms of safety and stability, not only at the City Hall where the proceedings are going to be held, but the whole of the Western Cape and the whole of the City of Cape Town,” Mchunu said.
Mchunu said people would be looking to the South African police to ensure safety and security and other related services.
“There is no doubt in all of us who are here that you will perform your duties beyond expectations, the citizens of this country are expecting you to be professionals. They are going to be looking at you with the expectation to deliver whatever it will take to deliver in accordance to the plan,” the Minister said.
President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the first SONA of the seventh administration at 7pm tonight, under the theme: “A nation that works, for all”.
SONA 2025 takes place as South Africa recently took up the Presidency of the Group of 20 (G20) – a historical moment, as the country became the first African State to do so.
The address is expected to touch on the Government of National Unity (GNU) and how it is setting about achieving its objectives.
The SONA represents the official start of Parliament’s programme and is one of the rare occasions when the three arms of the state – the legislature, the judiciary and the executive – gather under one roof.
The SONA will be broadcast live on television, on radio and will also be streamed live on the Presidency and Parliament YouTube channels. – SAnews.gov.za
