The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) which comprises of various government departments including the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the State Security Agency (SSA), has put measures in place to ensure that the State of the Nation Address(SONA)takes place in a safe and secure environment at the Cape Town City Hall on Thursday, 09 February 2023.

Integrated and joint law enforcement operations are underway and law enforcement officers have been deployed and are on high alert to ensure that the SONA takes place in a secure environment, with no incidents of crime before, during and post the SONA.

To this end, the NATJOINTS is calling for the cooperation of the public, including those who will be in attendance as well as spectators.

Any action aimed at disrupting the SONA or intentionally contravening the law, will be dealt with accordingly within the ambit of the law.

The NATJOINTS has also directed all law enforcement agencies securing the SONA to execute their duties according to their Constitutional mandate and within relevant prescripts.

In relation to aviation security, a Notice to all Airmen (NOTAM) has been issued by the Civil Aviation Authority which restricts the airspace within 1,5 nautical miles from the Cape Town City Hall on the 09 February 2023 between 13:00 up until 00:00. Only the South African Air Force (SAAF) will have flexible use of airspace during this period. Please note that this is strictly a NO FLY ZONE FOR DRONES. The airspace restrictions will also be in place during the Parliamentary Debate and Presidential reply on 14 to 16 February 2023 as well as during the Budget Speech, on the 22nd February 2023.

Residents of Cape Town, spectators and those who are operating businesses in the vicinity of the Cape Town City Hall are advised about road closures ahead of the delivery of the President’s State of the Nation Address.

It is important to emphasize that those who are not accredited or authorized to be in attendance, should avoid the area around the Cape Town City Hall on Thursday, 09 February 2023.

Source: Government of South Africa