SONA budget unchanged at R6m - Parliament

SONA budget unchanged at R6m - Parliament

The budget allocated for the State of the Nation Address remains unchanged at R6 million, Parliament said on Wednesday.

National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza
Anastasi Mokgobu

This was confirmed by Secretary to Parliament Xolile George during a briefing ahead of Thursday’s State of the Nation Address. 


“We always make budget provisions for SONA. We have equally budgeted R6 million this year. This includes the delivery at the City Hall there after the debates and replies at the dome,” he said. 


President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver his SONA at Cape Town City Hall on Thursday, outlining the government’s priorities, policies, and plans for tackling key national issues. 


The address will once again take place at Cape Town City Hall following the devastating fire at Parliament in January 2022.


“We are fairly confident that the provisions made would be able to cover adequately,” said George.  


George was joined by National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza and National Council of Provinces Chairperson Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, who provided an update on Parliament’s preparation for the address.


 The presiding officers were also asked to respond to calls from some quarters for the scaling down of the pomp and ceremony ahead of the event in honour of the 14 SANDF soldiers who died in the DRC. 


The DA wrote to Didiza, saying it would be inappropriate for government officials and dignitaries to be entertained by grand military displays while soldiers are dying on foreign soil. 


Didiza acknowledged the request by saying the matter had been referred to the SANDF. 


“We do note that there has been a request by some parties that maybe the defence may need to relook as to how those ceremonial proceedings, in particular by the defence force, need to take into consideration the situation of our fallen soldiers in the DRC. That matter has been forwarded by parliament to the defence force to reflect on it as this is their responsibility.”  


On Monday, a parliamentary debate will be held on the situation in the DRC and the presence of the SANDF in the war-torn country.


“The National Assembly will be having a debate on the DRC at the request of two of its parties, and I think that meeting condolences will be paid by members but also a deep reflection of where we are and what the state of play and therefore what Parliament can do,” Didiza said. 

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