Cape Town Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis has handed over the historic City Hall to Parliament in order to host this year’s State of the Nation Address (SONA).
This is the first time SONA will be held outside of the National Assembly since South Africa came into democracy, reports News24.
The change in venue comes after the 2 January fire that destroyed the National Assembly and Old Assembly buildings. Several facilities were offered to Parliament in order to host SONA, which is set to take place on Thursday, 10 February.
However, City Hall was chosen due to its historical importance.
“In its long and storied history, this is one of City Hall’s finest moments. Today, this is not just Cape Town’s City Hall, it is South Africa’s City Hall and officially the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa.
In times of national tragedy, South Africans come together. We’ve always done so, and we always will. It is what makes us such a resilient people. When Parliament burnt down on the 2nd of January, we knew we had to do what we could to help – by offering our venues so that Parliament could continue,” stated Hill-Lewis in a speech delivered to commemorate the event.
Even more incredible is the fact that SONA coincides with the 32nd anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s speech, which was delivered to the South African people at City Hall.
“This makes today’s event particularly historic and symbolic. It brings our country full circle, to the re-assertion of our founding values articulated by Madiba on that day.
“In a time when many South Africans feel a sense of concern about what is happening in our country, may this Sona underscore our renewed commitment to those founding values,” he said.
Hill-Lewis concluded his address by stating that he was pleased the offer of City Hall was accepted as a venue for SONA as what he described as the “spirit of national unity.”
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Picture/s: City of Cape Town