Same script, different Sona? Parliament budgets over R7 million for Ramaphosa’s address

Speaker Thoko Didiza at the social services cluster of ministers address in the National Assembly in oral Q&A session at Good Hope Chamber on 4 September 2024 in Cape Town.Picture: Gallo Images/Brenton Geach The official opening of the new parliamentary year will cost taxpayers over R7 million. This was announced by the secretary to parliament, Xolile George, who briefed the media about parliament’s readiness to host this year’s State of the Nation Address (Sona). President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver this year’s Sona at the Cape Town City Hall on Thursday, 12 February.

George said most of the budgeted money for Sona is being spent on hiring equipment for live broadcasting, and some is also being used to ensure their ICT infrastructure is “fit for purpose.” George said last year parliament had budgeted around R15 million for the same event; however, R12.3 million was spent from the funds set aside. “Those are consistent drivers of the big costs,” he said. George said parliament has to pay the City of Cape Town a small amount of money for the use of the Cape Town City Hall, which has been used to host Sonas since the parliament buildings were burnt down in 2022. “In the main, the major cost drivers are broadcasting equipment and services related thereto.” George says the budget last year was bigger because parliament had to rent out the Cape Town ICC to accommodate other guests.