South Africans can look forward to a ‘unique’ State of the Nation Address (SONA) this evening, as the important event is being held against the backdrop of the country preparing to commemorate 30 years of democracy.

This according to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, who was addressing the media in Cape Town on Wednesday.

SONA will be held at the Cape Town City Hall from 7pm.

‘This [SONA] is different and unique in so many ways. It is important that it is allowed its own expression and that South Africans can take out of it the celebratory element. We are marking 30 years of our democratic dispensation. It is also the last SONA under the sixth administration.

‘And so what you will have is a reflection of the past 30 years, coupled with an account of the work of the sixth administration over the last five years. It is important you allow those key elements to be expressed as much as possible without adding other issues,’ he said.

Magwenya explained that the delivery of SONA is a
Constitutional imperative.

‘There is a Constitutionally mandated democratic tradition for the President to open Parliament. So it’s not just about the State of the Nation Address; it’s the opening of Parliament. This is something that has been part and parcel of our democratic dispensation since 1994.

‘We urge all South Africans to follow the address as it deals with the state of the nation; not the state of only one segment or some segments of the nation. It is the state of all of the nation,’ he said.

Having their say

This year’s SONA will be held under the theme: ‘Following up on our commitments: Making your future work better’ and on the streets of South Africa, citizens expressed their views on what they believe the President should take stock of.

Mosito Moshatane from Kliprivier said: ‘I hope the President will address the issue of human settlements. I think people are living in places that aren’t good because they are desperate [for housing]. The queues are too long for them to be waiting’.

Nicar
do Nell from Upington said: ‘This year I think it’s very important for us… to listen to the SONA because I think it will give us hope and direction.’

Prudence Faku said: ‘It is important that the President addresses the issues that we have, so that we know what the plans are going forward; what the problems are and how we can tackle those issues.’

Local is lekker

During a media briefing held by Parliament’s Presiding Officers this week, National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said the holding of SONA has a greater impact beyond the walls of the Cape Town City Hall.

She said Parliament, together with Proudly South African, have come together to encourage guests and Members of Parliament to walk down the red carpet in garments produced by local designers.

‘The campaign aims to increase appreciation and visibility for local designers and their creations, and to provide momentum for the growth of the fashion business. This initiative goes beyond mere fashion appreciation; it seeks to connect consum
ers with the rich stories, culture, and creativity inherent in South African fashion, thereby fostering a sense of pride in local craftsmanship.

“This partnership has far-reaching implications for the country’s economy and the fashion industry. Encouraging public representatives and guests to don local designs sends a powerful message of support for local business, which is crucial for economic growth, job creation, and addressing issues of inequality and poverty.

‘This collaboration between Parliament and Proudly South African is not only a celebration of South African talent but also a step towards sustainable development, economic empowerment, and a more responsible fashion industry,’ she said.

The local economy is also expected to receive a boost.

‘SONA significantly boosts the local economy by attracting increased tourism, media presence, and business activities to the city.

‘This influx of visitors and heightened economic activity during the SONA period contributes to job creation and increased rev
enue for local businesses, including hospitality, transportation, and retail sectors,’ she said.

The Speaker encouraged South Africans to have their say on SONA.

‘We encourage all South Africans to actively participate in SONA by tuning in and expressing their views across the various communication platforms provided by Parliament, government and mainstream media,” said Mapisa-Nqakula.

SONA will be broadcast live on Parliament TV, mainstream broadcasters, and streaming services, ensuring comprehensive access and engagement for everyone across the nation.

“Let us come together as a nation to witness, discuss and reflect on the state of our nation, as we continue to build a more inclusive, prosperous, and resilient South Africa,’ Mapisa-Nqakula said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

OPUWO: After the postponement last weekend due to the death of President Hage Geingob, the Kunene Second Division Football League season kicks off on Saturday.

The Kunene Second Division Football League, under the auspices of the Namibia Football Association (NFA), is scheduled to kick off this weekend as confirmed by the league’s administrator Bolla Nangombe on Thursday.

Nangombe confirmed the league’s opening season matches, stating that all stadiums have been inspected and are ready to go.

‘The wait is finally over! We finally present to you the opening fixtures for this weekend. With only four days to go, we are super excited and cannot wait to bring super top-class football to you… the air is filled with anticipation and the thrill of the competition,’ he said.

The 2023-24 Premier League season will begin across the region on Saturday when newly promoted Okarindi Komutai FC travels to Outjo to take on Sixty Eleven FC at the Etoshapoort Sports Field.

!Ugab FC will make their league debut against la
st season’s runners-up Kunene NamPol FC at Etoshapoort, while Khaibasen FC will face Pubs FC.

Young Eagles FC from Okaukuejo will put their strength to the test at home against the youthful Khorixas Football Academy (KFA) squad.

With newly promoted teams and significant names on the move, league favourite Robber Chanties FC, who went shopping to bolster their squad, will meet Etosha United at Khorixas’ iconic Herbert Conradie Stadium.

Following that game, Orlando Gariseb FC will face Green Dangers.

The second round of league fixtures will feature newcomers !Ugab FC against Opuwo rural club Okarindi Komutati in a game that will test the two teams’ strengths after last season’s playoff encounters, with Okarindi winning in the final at Outjo.

Kunene NamPol, who are also reported to have signed new players from Opuwo, will face Sixty Eleven on Sunday at the Etoshapoort field.

KFA will travel from Okaukuejo to Outjo to face Khaibasen FC, while Young Eagles FC will await Pubs in Okaukuejo.

Orlando Gariseb wi
ll face Etosha United in the second round, while Robber Chanties will host Green Dangers at Herbert Conradie Stadium in Khorixas for the weekend’s final game.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency