President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the Opening of Parliament Address on Nelson Mandela International Day (July 18) to outline the priorities of the seventh administration.
Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, confirmed this in a media statement on Friday morning. This comes four weeks after the national and provincial elections, which resulted in no political party receiving an outright majority.
Though the national assembly re-elected Ramaphosa as president following the formation of a government of national unity, this has left a trail of uncertainty as Ramaphosa and the DA are not seeing eye-to-eye on the composition of the cabinet.
Joint sitting
Magwenya said Ramaphosa has called for a joint sitting of the National Assembly (NA) and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) for the Opening of Parliament and the president’s delivery of the Opening of Parliament Address.
“The president has called for the Opening of Parliament to take place on Thursday 18 July 2024, as a platform for the president to outline the priorities of the 7th Administration.
“The president has asked that Parliament convene in terms of Section 84(2)(d) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, read with Rule (13)(1)(a) of the Joint Rules of Parliament.
“The Opening of Parliament Address will coincide with the United Nations-declared Nelson Mandela International Day.
“This day, which marks the birthday of the founding president of a democratic South Africa, is a global celebration and day of personal and collective actions for good that honour the leader’s life and legacy.
Calling on individuals to reflect on Madiba’s values
Magwenya said the opening of parliament on Mandela’s birthday was a fitting tribute, as it calls on individuals and communities to take time to reflect on Mandela’s values and principles and to make a positive impact on communities and globally.
The Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) is now distinct from the State of the Nation Address (SONA). This is according to the new joint rules of parliament.
The State of the Nation Address (SONA) is held annually in February. It outlines the government’s plans and priorities for the year and reports on the state of the nation.
The Opening of Parliament Address (OPA), on the other hand, occurs once every five years after national and provincial elections. OPA announces the new administration’s plans and marks the beginning of the new five-year parliamentary term.
The Opening of Parliament is a platform where the government’s vision and priorities are presented. This will set the tone for the legislative and administrative actions that will follow.
