Zuko Komisa

“No member is allowed to interrupt the President” – Parliament announces new rules for SONA.
The National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) have introduced a new set of joint rules.
The new joint rules are intended to uphold decorum in the Chamber and encourage civility among members, according to National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, who was speaking at a media briefing on the plans to host SONA 2024.
Due to their disruption of Ramaphosa’s Sona last year, EFF Leader Julius Malema, his deputy Floyd Shivambu, party secretary-general Marshall Dlamini, spokesperson Sinawo Tambo, Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, and Vuyani Pambo were all banned from Parliament last December for a month.
Additionally, the EFF’s court application to lift the suspension was denied.
Mapisa-Nqakula outlined how the business of the day will be conducted at this year’s State Of The Nation Address., which is scheduled to take place on 8 February at 7 pm at Cape Town City Hall.
This will be the last SONA for the sixth administration, and the last one before the upcoming elections.
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“No member is allowed to interrupt the President”
“In terms of the new rules, no member is allowed to interrupt the President while delivering the State of the Nation Address. Similarly, interruptions are prohibited during the President’s speech at the opening of Parliament. Additionally these rules stipulate that no other business may be considered during a joint sitting other than the specific business for which the joint sitting is convened.
“These measures are critical in ensuring that these important national events are conducted in an orderly and respectful manner, reflecting the dignity of Parliament and the importance of these addresses in setting the nation’s legislative and development agenda,” said National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, on Tuesday in Cape Town.
“The President’s speech is the sole agenda item”
“The President’s speech is the sole agenda item. Following this, Members of Parliament will engage in a two-day joint debate on the address, with the President’s reply scheduled for the subsequent day.
“As of February 1, Cape Town City Hall has been designated as the parliamentary precinct, by Section 2 of the Powers, Privileges, and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act,” she said.
WATCH THE FULL BRIEFING HERE:
PARLIAMENT’S PRESIDING OFFICERS TO BRIEF MEDIA ON STATE OF READINESS FOR SONA 2024,06 February2024 https://t.co/YPW3D3gK24
— Parliament of RSA (@ParliamentofRSA) February 6, 2024
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