SONA 2021 live updates: Who will be allowed to attend in person?

Live SONA 2021 updates on Thursday 11 February:

• – Cyril Ramaphosa is set to address the nation at 19:00 on Thursday.
• – The stripped-down ceremony will feature no red carpet, very little pomp and ceremony, and a vastly-reduced guestlist.
• – A maximum of 50 people, including President Ramaphosa and 30 MPs, will be the only people inside Parliament.
• – A total of 14 MPs from the ANC, five from the DA, and one each from the EFF, IFP, FF+, ACDP, GOOD, COPE, NFP, ATM, AIC, and Aljamah-ah will attend in person.
• – Tonight’s event will cost the most minimum of the budget envisaged of R2.2 million.
• – Parliament has advised Cape Town motorists and pedestrians of minimal parking restrictions and temporary road closures with full road closures around the precinct expected today.

Latest SONA 2021 updates: State of the Nation live blog

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What to expect from SONA 2021

Long-held traditions associated with the State of the Nation Address (SONA) will not be on display tonight as President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses the nation at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have an impact on everyday life. What has not changed is that the President will still deliver the annual address at 19:00 tonight.

The State of the Nation Address is called by the President in terms of Section 42(5) of the Constitution. It is a joint sitting of the two houses of Parliament – the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces – and one of the rare occasions that bring together the three arms of the State under one roof. 

However, SONA 2021will be delivered under strict COVID-19 regulations with only 50 people allowed in the National Assembly chamber and while the President will address the joint sitting of Parliament physically in Parliament, most Members of Parliament (MPs), and some from other arms of the State and the diplomatic corps will follow proceedings virtually. 

This is in addition to Premiers, Speakers and other delegates representing provinces in the NCOP, eminent persons, diplomatic corps, distinguished guests and members of the public also forming part of the event virtually.

Who will be allowed to attend in person?

Given the regulations, the SONA which will take the form of a hybrid joint sitting with no more than 50 MPs, representatives from the Judiciary and the Executive in the physical chamber, and the rest of this category connecting virtually.

There will be no red carpet and procession of the three arms of the State; physical participation of the junior and civil guard of honour; eminent persons; imbongi (praise singer) and military parade that leads the presidential procession onto a saluting dais on the steps of the National Assembly.

Briefing reporters ahead of the SONA, Parliament’s spokesperson Molapo Mothapo said where it is possible and appropriate, some traditional features will take place virtually in “keeping with the significance and character of the Address.”