Former president and MK party leader Jacob Zuma will attend the State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Cape Town on Thursday after years of absence.
Although former heads of state receive automatic invitations, Zuma has skipped the event since stepping down in 2018.
President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the first SONA under the Government of National Unity (GNU) at Cape Town City Hall, with nearly 2,000 guests expected to attend.
The event will follow a full ceremonial format, including a 21-gun salute, a military band, and an aircraft fly-past.
[WATCH] Parliament confirms that former president and MK Party leader Jacob Zuma will attend #SONA2025 after years of missing the sitting. #Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/LZJHyN6i7e
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) February 5, 2025
During a media briefing on Wednesday, National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza and NCOP Chairperson Refilwe Mtsweni discussed Parliament’s plans for the 2025 SONA.
Mtsweni confirmed that Zuma would be attending the event.
‘The issues of former president who will be in attendance, we can confirm all them are coming, the likes of former president Mbeki, he will be here. Former president Motlanthe, he is here with us, as well as former president Zuma, he will be in attendance.
‘Not only them, the Speaker has alluded that even the former deputy presidents, as well as former speakers and chairperson of the National Council of Provinces. So, they will be here in their numbers,’ she said.
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Picture: @MelissaNe10 / X
