Parliament said that the State of the Nation Address, to be delivered by newly-elected President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday, will be a full ceremonial occasion once again.
“It will involve a ceremonial parade exhibiting military traditions, drills, and ethos of the army, the navy and the air force of the Republic of South Africa,” said Speaker Baleka Mbete in a statement on Thursday.
“This includes a national salute by the Ceremonial Guard of the South African National Defence Force, a military band, a salute flight by the South African Air Force and a 21-gun salute”.
“Processions on the red carpet from the Slave Lodge to the National Assembly building will reflect the three arms of the state – the Judiciary, the Legislature and the Executive,” Mbete said.
A total of 1 120 guests have been invited to form part of this important occasion.
Mbete said they are drawn from all sectors of society, including youth, women, representatives of statutory and Constitutional institutions, such as the Chapter 9 institutions supporting democracy.
The Speaker said the guest list also included international organisations, Heads of Foreign Mission, representatives of the House of Traditional Leaders and the Mayor of Cape Town.
Proceedings are scheduled for 7pm on Friday.
