It is all systems go as the Cape Town City Hall is ready to host the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday, 10 February.
This will be the first time that South African President will not deliver the SONA in Parliament after the National Assembly was gutted in a fire in January.
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) said in a statement that strict security measures have been put in place to ensure the safe and secure delivery of the SONA.
“Security forces had been deployed and were on high alert to ensure that the SONA takes place in a secure environment, with no incidents of crime before, during and post the important address,” the statement said.
Also read: Here are the Cape Town road closures ahead of the SONA
According to Colonel Athlenda Mathe, the NATJOINTS indicated that it had further directed all law enforcement agencies securing the SONA to execute their duties according to their Constitutional mandate and within relevant prescripts.
Mathe said in relation to aviation security, a notice to all Airmen had been issued by the Civil Aviation Authority which restricts the airspace within 1.5 nautical miles from the Cape Town City Hall on the day between 1 pm and midnight.
“Only the South African Air Force will have flexible use of airspace during this period. Please note that this is strictly a no-fly zone for drones.
“Residents of Cape Town, spectators and those who are operating businesses in the vicinity of the Cape Town City Hall are advised about road closures ahead of the delivery of the President’s State of the Nation Address,” Mathe said.
Meanwhile, barring any disruptions, Ramaphosa will deliver his sixth State of the Nation Address at 7 pm.
Also read:
PRASA removes illegal occupants from Cape Town rail premises
Picture: Cape{town}Etc gallery