President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) will take place on 18 July, as a platform for the President to outline the priorities of the 7th Administration.
According to parliament, the OPA marks the start of the new administration, and that the president will outline the government’s agenda, legislative priorities, and key policy directions.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa has called a Joint Sitting of the National Assembly (NA) and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) for the Opening of Parliament and the President’s delivery of the Opening of Parliament Address
The President has called for the OPA, as a platform for the President to outline the priorities of the 7th Administration,” said Ramaphosa spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya.
The OPA will coincide with the United Nations-declared Nelson Mandela International Day.
“This day, which marks the birthday of the founding President of a democratic South Africa, is a global celebration and day of personal and collective actions for good that honour the leader’s life and legacy.
The OPA on this day is a fitting tribute as it calls on individuals and communities to take time to reflect on Mandela’s values and principles and to make a positive impact on communities and globally,” explained Magwenya.
According to the new joint rules of parliament, the OPA is now distinct from the State of the Nation Address (SONA).
“The OPA occurs once every five years, immediately after national and provincial elections.
It serves as a platform for the newly elected State President to outline the new administration’s vision and priorities and symbolises the official opening and functioning of the new five-year term of Parliament.
In contrast, the SONA is held annually in February. Its purpose is to outline the government’s plans and priorities for the year and report on the state of the nation.
It is important not to confuse the two addresses, as they serve different functions and occur at different intervals,” read a statement from parliament.
The venue for the OPA has not yet been decided and will be confirmed in due course.
