Thandi Modise: We expect a smooth SONA
The chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Thandi Modise, says they anticipate a smooth State of the Nation Address.
Speaking to Jacaranda FM News ahead of President Jacob Zuma’s 10th State of the Nation Address, Modise clarified the deployment of 441 soldiers for the Opening of Parliament.
“The president informs parliament about the security plans and he assured us that the soldiers won’t be stationed in the parliamentary precinct, but around the city,” Modise says.
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The decision by the President to deploy additional SANDF members has faced a heavy backlash.
The EFF labeled it the “militarization of SONA” while the DA also raised concern with Speaker Baleka Mbete.
Modise says SANDF member will not interfere with the business of parliament.