Parliament’s Presiding Officers, led by the National Assembly (NA) Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Chairperson Amos Masondo, on Tuesday indicated that Parliament is ready to host the 2022 State of the Nation Address (SoNA).

President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver his SoNA on Thursday at 19:00 in the Cape Town City Hall. For the first time, the ceremony will be held outside Parliament.

Last month City of Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis officially handed over the City Hall to Parliament’s Presiding Officers following the fire that damaged the NA building, including the NA chamber where the official sittings of the NA and Joint Sittings of both Houses of Parliament are usually held.

The City Hall was declared the Parliament of South Africa precinct from January 31 until February 16.

“As we have stressed from the onset, despite the monumental challenges that confronted us at the beginning of the new year, the business of Parliament must and will continue,” said Mapisa-Nqakula.

She confirmed that Parliament will continue with working in a hybrid with some Members of Parliament (MPs) physically present and others connected virtually for the SoNA.

To navigate Covid-19 regulations, 298 MPs will be seated in the chamber, while a limited number of people will be allowed in the gallery. 

Mapisa-Nqakula said the proportional representation of political parties was a key consideration in allocating seats to MPs.

The Presiding Officers of Parliament said they continue to be highly concerned by the torching of State buildings, including Parliament.

Security forces have been deployed and are on high alert. 

Guests who have confirmed their attendance include former President Thabo Mbeki; former Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka; and former Speakers of the NA Baleka Mbete, Max Sisulu and Dr Frene Ginwala.

After the President’s address, the two Houses of Parliament will debate the address on February 14 and 15, and the President will reply on February 16.