Cape Town: The Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, has urged Members of Parliament (MPs) and the nearly 2,000 guests attending tomorrow’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) to support local designers. SONA is an event where President Cyril Ramaphosa provides updates on the government’s programmes and sets the agenda for the new financial year. It is also a platform where some MPs and notable figures make fashion statements.
According to South African Government News Agency, Parliament has partnered with Proudly South African to support the local fashion industry under the ‘Wear Local at SONA’ initiative, as stated by Mtshweni-Tsipane. “The campaign aims to elevate the local fashion industry, calling on the nation’s leaders to showcase South African designed and manufactured fashion at the SONA,” she said. Additionally, Parliament has collaborated with businesses in the agriculture, food, and beverage sectors to support the event.
Mtshweni-Tsipane emphasized the importance of showcasing South Africa’s products, noting the success of designating them as Geographical Indicators, such as the Karoo lamb. She expressed gratitude to businesses and individuals who sponsor the event. Addressing journalists alongside National Assembly (NA) Speaker Thoko Didiza, Mtshweni-Tsipane discussed Parliament’s preparations for the 2025 SONA in Cape Town.
Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa will be ushered by Inako Mateza, a 19-year-old Xhosa praise singer from the Eastern Cape, reflecting long-standing traditions. Mtshweni-Tsipane also expressed appreciation for the informal traders’ cooperation since Cape Town City Hall became the SONA venue following the 2022 fire at the parliamentary complex. She acknowledged the broader economic value that SONA brings to the city, despite some inconveniences within the Central Business District.
As a significant national event, SONA draws local and international attention, boosting economic activity through increased tourism, hospitality, and business opportunities. Alternative arrangements have been made with the City of Cape Town and the Informal Traders Association to ensure that affected traders can operate at designated alternative venues.
Post-SONA, the National Assembly and the NCOP will reconvene for a joint session on 11 and 12 February 2025 to debate the President’s address. The President will respond to the debate on 13 February, and the Minister of Finance is scheduled to deliver the Budget Speech on 19 February. South Africans are encouraged to actively engage with SONA by tuning in and sharing their views across various communication platforms provided by Parliament, the government, and the media. The SONA will be broadcast live on Parliament TV, mainstream broadcasters, and streaming services.