Officers are on high alert, according to the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints), to guarantee that the State of the Nation Address is uninterrupted by criminal elements (SONA).
In order to guarantee that SONA takes place in a secure environment, Natjoints, which consists of the South African Police Service (SAPS), SA National Defence Force, and the State Security Agency (SSA), said on Tuesday that integrated and joint law enforcement activities were underway.
On Thursday, the speech will be given in Cape Town City Hall by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Speaking on behalf of the Natjoints, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said, “To this goal, the Natjoints is appealing for the participation of the public, including those who will be in attendance, as well as onlookers.”
Only the SA Air Force (SAAF), she said, would be able to use the airspace in a flexible manner at this time. Drones are not allowed either.
She stated that the airspace limitations will also be in effect for the “budget speech on February 22” and the “parliamentary debate and presidential reply on February 14 to 16 2023.”
Before the president’s State of the Nation Address, Mathe said, “Cape Town residents, spectators, and those operating businesses in the area of the Cape Town City Hall are cautioned of road closures.” The area around the Cape Town City Hall on Thursday should be avoided by anyone who is not authorised or accredited to attend, it is crucial to emphasise.