President makes final touches to his speech

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Parliament - President Jacob Zuma is putting the final touches to his speech at home before his maiden State of the Nation Address to the first joint sitting of a newly-constituted Parliament.

President Zuma will outline his government's five-year plan as well as other priorities aimed at developing South Africa's economy and meeting the needs of the country during one of the key events on South Africa's Parliamentary and political calendar.

He is also expected to outline how government plans to tackle challenges such as crime, the widening inequality gap, blockages in the criminal justice system, unemployment and poverty, and quality of education.

The creation of decent work and sustainable jobs, education, health, rural development, food security and land reform and the fight against crime and corruption are sure to get more than a mention in the rare occasion when the three arms of the state come together in one place - the Executive, the Judiciary and the Legislature.

It is expected that Wednesday's address may be the first public government announcement of a national health insurance system that would cover most South Africans.

The day will begin with Members of Parliament and other dignitaries walking the red carpet to take up their seats in the National Assembly.

The event is usually dominated by vibrant colours, elegance, chic and panache shown in the different trendy garments donned by parliamentarians.

It is a full ceremonial one - involving a mounted police escort and a military ceremonial motor escort, the lining of the President's route to Parliament by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), a national salute by the Ceremonial Guard of the SANDF and a military band (the Air Force Band on this occasion), a fly-past by the South African Air Force and a 21-gun salute.

The address is expected to be broadcast at 11am on SABC, eNews channel as well as various regional radio stations. Big screens