Premier Zamani Saul. File picture: Danie van der Lith
NORTHERN Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul is scheduled to deliver the State of the Province Address (Sopa) at the Hantam sports grounds in Calvinia on Thursday.
The Speaker of the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature, Newrene Klaaste, said that over 2,000 people were expected to attend the event.
“It will be broadcast virtually on the provincial government and legislature social media platforms, as well as on eight local radio stations in the Province,” said Klaaste.
She added that the main expenses to host the event involved telecommunication costs, including live streaming and live radio broadcasts, through the use of electronic devices to reach a wider audience in the comfort of their homes.
Klaaste stated that other costs related to transport and accommodation for members of the community from all the districts in the Province.
“Local businesses in and around Calvinia will benefit economically.”
She said the Sopa debate would take place on March 7 at 10am followed by the Premier’s reply on March 8.
Northern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Mashay Gamieldien said the SAPS would provide security at all critical key points and areas in and around Calvinia, to ensure the safety of all high-profile dignitaries, invited guests and the community members who will be in attendance.
“Contingency plans are in place to react to any eventuality that may occur prior, during and after the Sopa. A stern warning is issued to any criminal element who intend taking advantage of this event, to refrain from such criminal activity, as their actions will be met with the full might of the law and the authority of the state will be stamped down during this period and beyond.”
Gamieldien added that there would be minor disruptions in the flow of traffic in the vicinity of the Hantum sports ground where the event will be hosted.
“Motorists and the general public are advised to be patient and obey instructions from law enforcement officials posted in the area.”
ActionSA provincial chairperson Andrew Louw said socio-economically vulnerable households were eagerly awaiting for the premier to outline details on how renewable energy projects would benefit the economy and enhance job creation, as the Province had attracted well over R100 billion in investments for this purpose.
“The premier proudly boasted that potholes in the Province would become a distant memory and Kimberley would be a hive of construction activities after launching the state-owned Northern Cape Construction Company with a start-up capital of R10 million. It would, however, be refreshing to hear of the tangible outcomes of the R180 million that was set aside to fix roads, the R20 million provisioned for sewage spillages and water leakages and the R15 million to clean the city, remove illegal dumps and grass cutting,” said Louw.
He questioned what difference the R500 million that was allocated for improving services in the Sol Plaatje municipal district had made.