The transition to the 7th Parliament has come to fruition. Its shape and form have been concretised by the election of Parliament’s presiding officers, and the chairpersons of the portfolio and select committees of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces have now taken office. Meanwhile, Parliament’s committees are currently debating the budget votes of government departments. This is what the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Thoko Didiza, told members of the media at Parliament yesterday at a briefing on Parliament'.
“These achievements demonstrate our commitment to ensuring a smooth transition and the continued effective functioning of our parliamentary democracy,” Ms Didiza said, flanked by the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Ms Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane, and the Secretary to Parliament, Mr Xolile George, during a press briefing on Parliament’s readiness to host the Opening of Parliament Address by the President.
The opening of Parliament offers the President an opportunity to declare the priorities, the mandate and the design architecture of the tenure of the seventh administration. “It stands as one of the few occasions that brings the three arms of the state – executive, legislature, and judiciary – under one roof, reaffirming commitment across all branches of state to democratic principles, accountability, and cooperation in the pursuit of national progress and prosperity,” Ms Didiza said.
The occasion marks the first joint sitting of the two houses of Parliament. It comes in the wake of the adoption of the new rules in November last year that seek to protect the decorum of the two houses of Parliamernt against unruly disruptions that marked the political tenor of the 6th Parliament, said Ms Didiza. “These new rules are meant to prohibit interruptions and to enable the joint sitting to focus on the business for which Opening of Parliament is convened for: the presidential address of the intent and purpose of the new administration,” she said.
She went on to explain the differences between the State of the Nation Address, which is traditionally delivered in February every year. “The Opening of Parliament Address serves as a pivotal platform for the President to articulate the administration's comprehensive plans and long-term vision for the upcoming five-year term.”
This landmark event, she added, not only outlines the government’s strategic objectives and policy priorities but also officially inaugurates the new parliamentary term. And its renewed commitment to upholding the democratic principles and the country’s developmental agenda. “It symbolises the continuity of democratic governance and sets the stage for legislative and executive collaboration in addressing national challenges and pursuing the country’s development goals,” she elaborated. The State of the Nation Address (SONA), she explained, delivered annually by the President in February, serves as a platform to review the government's past-year performance and outline its agenda for the coming year.
Fittingly, this year’s opening address coincides with the country’s celebration of 30 years of its democratic transition, she said. “It holds particular significance, as it coincides with the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of South Africa's constitutional democracy. It provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the progress made since the inception of democratic governance in our country and to determine the path that we want to travel in the next five in the advancement of our democratic project.”
Not only that, she added, the OPA takes place on Mandela International Day, which serves to rekindle our country’s consciousness to remember and uphold the ideals he stood for. “Mandela Day is a day of great importance which resonates with Parliament's commitment to the ideals of democracy, freedom, equality, and service to humanity.”
The presiding officers of Parliament will also “take time away from their opening of Parliament duties to participate in service programmes around Cape Town, working with non-governmental organisations and institutions,” she said. To commemorate this day, the City of Cape Town is hosting an exhibition on Mandela’s legacy.
The theme for this year’s opening address is “My Parliament, my voice, my future,” Ms Didiza said.
This event will include a performance by the military band, precision drills, and a display showcasing the skills and traditions of the armed forces. It will be complemented by the parliamentary choir’s rendition of the national anthem against the backdrop of army jets in the sky.
To mark this event as truly South African, Parliament has partnered with Proudly SA. And has urged the members of parliament to wear locally made couture to showcase the rich tapestry of South African traditions and creative designs that are uniquely and proudly South African.
Abel Mputing
18 July 2024
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