Tonight’s Opening of Parliament Address (OPA), to be delivered by President Cyril Ramaphosa, bears significance not only for the seventh administration, but also for the celebration of 30 years of democracy in South Africa.

This according to Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli.

The Deputy Minister was speaking to SAnews on the side lines of a commemoration marking Mandela Day, at Nyanga, in the Western Cape.

‘It’s significant in a few ways. Firstly, it’s the first address of the administration 30 years into democracy. A lot of countries that have gone through the kind of transition that we have gone through seldom get to a point of having stable elections that are free and fair, and non-violent, 30 years into the democratic dispensation. That’s one thing to celebrate.

‘South Africa is a much a better country than it was 30 years ago. Of course we still have challenges but we continue to work with our people,’ Mhlauli said.

The Deputy Minister said OPA is a key marker for the seventh admini
stration, which is made up of different political parties in the Government of National Unity.

‘Today is going to be the first address of the President in another milestone in our country under a Government of National Unity which is the first of its kind comprising [different] political parties.

‘A lot of people said it’s not going to be possible that there will be instability and here we are today; looking forward to hearing the message the President is going to put forward for the next five years ahead,’ she said.

Also at the Mandela Day commemoration, Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, told SAnews that he expects President Ramaphosa to reflect on the work that has been done by government over the past 30 years of democracy and how government will build upon that platform.

‘I think the President’s speech will be predicated on the strides that we’ve made in the last 30 years. With the establishment of the Government of National Unity, the President will speak to the key priorities that t
his government would want to focus on… [like] inclusive growth and job creation.

‘We obviously want all South Africans to tune in today… as the President addresses the nation and we hope that they will be able to relate to the message that will be delivered by the President of the Republic,’ Morolong said.

The Opening of Parliament Address is expected to commence at 7pm tonight, the same day the country and the world commemorate Nelson Mandela International Day.

Source: South African Government News Agency