Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma is highly impressed by high school pupils' interest in this year's State of the Nation Address (SONA), the Presidency said on Monday.
Government Communications (GCIS), the Department of Basic Education and Sanlam have been running a national schools debate on the SONA themed: "Young people can play a key role in reducing poverty and building a better South Africa".
To date, 266 learners from 30 districts have participated with over 30 events having been completed. The national competition and finals will take place in Cape Town during the SONA week during which the finalists will meet the President on 10 February.
The pupils' interest has impressed the president and government so much so that Thursday's SONA has been organised with young people in mind.
"We changed the State of the Nation Address to be delivered in the evening because we are so impressed by our young people and their interest in national and current affairs," Zuma said.
