Parliament has introduced a set of new joint rules designed to regulate proceedings during the joint sitting of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) to prohibit disruptions.
The State of the Nation Address (SONA) for the past few years has been synonymous with chaos, disruption, MP's being thrown out in court, specifically members of the EFF.
So South African courts are punishing @EFFSouthAfrica MPs for holding Ramaphosa accountable pic.twitter.com/zdGuLhX1pa
— Official Boss Lady ???????? ???????? ???????? (@Rakgadi_EM) February 6, 2024
Addressing a media briefing on preparations to host SONA 2024, National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said the new joint rules are aimed at maintaining order, and decorum in the Chamber, and promoting civility among members.
The rules, set to be implemented for the first time are an essential step in ensuring that proceedings, including SONA and the opening of Parliament, are conducted with the respect and seriousness it deserves.
Last year, EFF leader Julius Malema vowed to ask questions related to the Phala Phala scandal and confidently said that it would be President Cyril Ramaphosa's last SONA.
New Rules
No member is allowed to interrupt the President while delivering the State of the Nation Address.
Similarly, interruptions are prohibited during the President’s speech at the opening of Parliament and no other business may be considered during a joint sitting other than the specific business for which the sitting is convened.
NA Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula wants SONA to be conducted in an orderly and respectful manner, to reflect the dignity of Parliament.
SONA
Convened by the President as per the Constitution, SONA serves to update the nation on government commitments and to outline the government’s programme of action for the new financial year.
The President’s speech is the sole agenda item. Following this, Members of Parliament will engage in a two-day joint debate on the address, with the President’s reply scheduled for the subsequent day.
"As of February 1, Cape Town City Hall has been designated as the parliamentary precinct, in accordance with Section 2 of the Powers, Privileges, and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act," said Mapisa-Nqakula.
SONA will be broadcast live on radio and TV and streamed live on Parliament’s website, the DStv channel (408), and YouTube channel.
NATJOINTS
Spokesperson for the National police Brigadier Athlenda Mathe says all measures will be in place to ensure that SONA takes place in a peaceful, safe and secure environment.
She says the Natjoints structure which is led by the SAPS, SSA and SANDF has been meeting regularly in the build-up to the SONA to ensure the plans that are in place will ensure the safety and security of participants, spectators, and communities living near the Cape Town City Hall and businesses operating in this vicinity.
