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Ramaphosa’s big night: Nation waits for answers

7 months By Staff Bona

President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to deliver the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday at Cape Town City Hall, where he is expected to outline government priorities and plans for the year.

The event, which officially opens Parliament, will cost about R7 million, mainly for broadcasting and ICT infrastructure. Tight security and road closures have been implemented around the venue, which continues to host SONA after the 2022 fire damaged Parliament.

Also see: National Dialogue to go ahead, vows President Ramaphosa

Former presidents Jacob Zuma and Kgalema Motlanthe are expected to attend, while Thabo Mbeki has confirmed he will not.

Also see: WATCH: The State of The Nation Address 2019 Live

Political parties, unions and civic groups have urged Ramaphosa to focus on key national issues, including crime, economic reform, unemployment, poverty, inequality and corruption.

Some organisations have also called for a basic income grant and action to address the rising cost of living.

The SONA debate will take place next week, followed by Cyril’s reply.

First published by African Insider

Compiled by Betha Madhomu

Also see: Ramaphosa’s SONA speech at odds with Motsoaledi’s ban on cannabis edibles

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