Premier Zamani Saul will deliver the State of the Province Address at the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre on Thursday.
Image: Sandi Kwon Hoo
NORTHERN Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul is set to deliver his State of the Province Address (Sopa) on Thursday at the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre in Kimberley.
Around 2,000 guests, including diplomats, members of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces, business and religious sector representatives, government stakeholders and entities, municipal mayors and Speakers, as well as invitees from political parties represented in the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature (NCPL) - the ANC, DA, EFF, PA, and FF+ - will attend the event.
NCPL Speaker Newrene Klaaste said on Wednesday that members of the community, including youth formations, women structures and people living with disabilities, from the five districts of the province would also be transported to the event.
“Key delivery plans and priorities will be outlined relating to growing the economy of the province in an effort to create more jobs, intensifying the fight against poverty, and prioritising better education and quality health care for communities,” said Klaaste.
She added that the legislature, through its oversight mechanisms, would continue to monitor key policy priorities and how government plans are executed.
“The Sopa puts great emphasis on prioritising the interests of the people of the Northern Cape,” she noted.
Klaaste said listeners could tune into their local radio stations and visit the legislature and provincial government social media platforms to follow the proceedings live.
“The Sopa debate, where members of the legislature from the ANC, DA, EFF, PA and FF+ will share their views on the premier’s speech, will take place on March 11 at 10am, followed by the premier’s reply on March 12 at 10am in the legislature chambers,” she added.
The Secretary of the NCPL, Patrick Moopelwa, explained that the main cost drivers of the event were the live streaming of the address via radio broadcasts.
“These services account for a relatively large amount of our budget. Other expenses include the provision of transport for the community, catering and accommodation for members of the community from all the five districts in the province,” said Moopelwa.
He added that all logistical arrangements were going according to plan.
“We are ready to welcome all our guests tomorrow,” he stated.
Northern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Mashay Gamieldien said the Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Provjoints) Security Committee, under the leadership of the SAPS, would ensure the security at all venues, critical key points and areas in and around Kimberley.
"The safety of all high-profile dignitaries, invited guests and the community who will be in attendance will be prioritised.”
She stated that contingency plans were in place to react to any eventuality that could occur.
“A stern warning is issued to any criminal element who intend to take advantage of this event. Any criminal activity will be met with the full might of the law.”
Gamieldien advised of minor traffic disruptions in the vicinity of the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre in West Circular Road, where the event will be hosted.
“The affected roads that will be closed on Thursday from 10 to 11am include West Circular, South Circular, Green Street and St Augustine Road."
She urged motorists and the general public to utilise alternative routes and to be patient and obey instructions from law enforcement officials in the area.