Cape Town - As the momentum for Thursday night's all-important State of the Nation Address by President Jacob Zuma builds up, Parliament has announced its theme for the year.
In a statement, Parliament said that it would be "Celebrating the Legacy of Freedom" through strengthening its link to the public.
Parliament has urged South Africans to tune in to the live broadcasts of the address and to play an active role in creating a better life for all.
The theme emphasised Parliament's role as the arm of the South African state which is constitutionally mandated to deliberate on and pass laws, and to exercise oversight over the executive.
Some of the high profile figures who confirmed to attend the event include former President Thabo Mbeki, former Deputy President Baleka Mbete and former National Assembly Speaker Frene Ginwala.
Others also include chairperson of the African Union Commission Jean Ping and the chairperson of the UK Commonwealth executive committee, Sir Alan Haselhurst.
As was the case last year, the State of the Nation Address is set to be delivered in the evening - at 7pm - in Parliament's National Assembly Chamber to a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament.
The address allows the President to assess the country's domestic and foreign situation and to outline what should be done to achieve a better life for citizens.
The public participation aspect of the ceremony is set to involve Guards of Honour coming from schools, civil society organisations and the community in general from all nine provinces.
