With a budget of approximately R3 million and around 3,000 guests in attendance, the Northern Cape State of the Province address by Premier Zamani Saul took place at the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre in Kimberley on Thursday.
WITH a budget of approximately R3 million and around 3,000 guests in attendance, the Northern Cape State of the Province address (Sopa) by Premier Zamani Saul took place at the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre in Kimberley on Thursday.
The Speaker of the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature, Newrene Klaaste, pointed out that various issues affecting the Province would be highlighted during the address.
Klaaste pointed out that guests in attendance included members of the National Assembly (NA), the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), the business sector, the religious sector, government stakeholders and entities, municipal mayors and speakers.
The various political parties represented in the legislature – including the African National Congress (ANC), the Democratic Alliance (DA), the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the Freedom Front+ – were also all invitees.
Premier Saul outlined key priorities for growing the economy of the Province in an effort to create more jobs and intensify the fight against poverty. Better education and quality health care for the residents of the Province were also prioritised.
Klaaste said the address would also be broadcast live on several local radio stations and social media platforms.
“The State of the Province address will be conducted as a hybrid house sitting and all other guests will log onto the platform virtually, through a designated link, which will be widely publicised over the legislature’s social media platforms. This will enable broader access to the premier’s speech,” she said.
Klaaste added that although Parliament had banned the EFF from attending the State of the Nation address by President Cyril Ramaphosa, the Northern Cape provincial government was confident that there would not be any disruptions during Sopa.
“We have representatives of the EFF in the legislature but we have a relationship with all political parties. We have built relationships with members of the DA and FF+.
“The interest is not on the EFF, but for the Premier to outline the vision of the provincial government to our communities.
“There is no way any political party can disrupt this event,” Klaaste said earlier this week.
