The State of the Nation Address (SONA) will take place tomorrow in Parliament, with President Jacob Zuma deploying intensive military enforcements to make sure that there aren’t any disturbances within SONA proceedings.
President Jacob Zuma has authorised the deployment of 441 soldiers to assist police in security activities for SONA. This being a worrying factor to many South Africans, particularly opposition parties.
During his speech, the President will talk about government’s achievements of the past year and look to the future by presenting a programme for the coming year.
This programme sets out government’s plans to address various key government programmes. The President will address the nation in his capacity as Head of State, not only as Head of Government.
The State of the Nation Address is important for all young South Africans because it tells us what the government’s Programme of Action is for the year ahead.
The Programme of Action is government’s plans for the country and people of South Africa.
The youth have been incredibly vocal about the President’s decision to deploy military tomorrow:
What I see when look at @ParliamentofRSA after I heard that over 400 #SANDF troops will be deployed #SONAPredictions #SONA2017 pic.twitter.com/u4l91TH9zY
— GAMBU MFANAFUTHI?? (@GambuMfanafuthi) February 8, 2017
Why the sudden need to beef up the security? Do you know something that we don’t? #SONA2017
— Ⓜatt-Ⓜamo (@hlabanematt) February 8, 2017
So you’ll deploy SANDF members for your own security but won’t deploy them to gang riddled areas? #SONA2017 @Our_DA @EFFSouthAfrica @MYANC pic.twitter.com/cYzo0Ei69f
— SurfLess Surfer (@surfless_surfer) February 8, 2017
Deploying soldiers is the best way to get restless, angry people to turn violent. Did this dude learn nothing during Apartheid? #SONA2017
— #SlowCoach (@mataharilady) February 8, 2017
#SONA2017 When troops were needed for the riots, non was sent. #SONA yes, troops are sent – what for when it is a police function
— Connell Davids (@ConnelldDavids) February 8, 2017
SANDF to be deployed & streets hosed down with #water in drought-ridden @CapeTown in prep for #SONA2017. @PresidencyZA really!?
— Nicolette Pombo (@nicolettepombo) February 8, 2017