With just over 24 hours to go, the Parliamentary precinct is abuzz with activity once again, as preparations get underway, ahead of tomorrow’s State of the Nation Address.
Parliament is set to elect the new President during a sitting of the House at 2pm on Thursday afternoon, with a swearing-in ceremony expected to follow thereafter.
During a Joint Programming Committee meeting on Thursday morning, Deputy Secretary to Parliament Baby Tyawa said it was all systems go for preparations ahead of the State of the Nation Address, which will take place at 7pm on Friday.
On the precinct, service providers could be seen arriving to set up scaffolding in front of the National Assembly where the media will be positioned when the President arrives to deliver the speech tomorrow.
Workers could also be seen setting up a stage on the steps of the National Assembly where the newly elected President will arrive to meet with National Assembly Speaker Baleka Mbete before observing a 21-gun salute a few minutes before his speech.
Outside broadcasting vans were also seen taking their positions just outside the precinct.
After accreditation was suspended following the postponement of SONA last week, workers at the Government Garage along Hope Street started setting up temporary cubicles where guests, media and other people who have not collected will be able to collect and reconfirm their accreditation from 4pm until 10pm tonight.
Meanwhile, the Speaker released a statement confirming that she had received the resignation letter of former President Jacob Zuma. – SAnews.gov.za
