While the military parade is expected to be a feature of Sona 2022, indications are that it won't be as large an event as usual. The parliamentary sitting will be held in a hybrid format with some MPs dialling in virtually.
The 2021 Sona will remain the cheapest such event to date, having cost only R100,000.
The ceremony has previously cost as much as R9.2m, but in 2019 the spending was capped at R2.2m.
WATCH | Red velvet seats, marching band and more planned for Sona 2022
Cape Town City Hall to host state of the nation address on Thursday evening
Image: ELMOND JIYANE/ GCIS
The military band has dusted off its instruments and set up for the state of the nation address (Sona) outside Cape Town's city hall, which now forms part of the parliamentary precinct.
On Wednesday afternoon, the presiding officers toured the interim facility with journalists.
Parliament has planned a stripped-down ceremony that is expected to cost less than R4m.
The change in location has reduced the budget for the event, from an initial R6m.
“At a minimum it will be around R1.9m. The worst scenario is that it will be around R4m or so,” said National Council of Provinces (NCOP) chairperson Amos Masondo.
While the military parade is expected to be a feature of Sona 2022, indications are that it won't be as large an event as usual. The parliamentary sitting will be held in a hybrid format with some MPs dialling in virtually.
The 2021 Sona will remain the cheapest such event to date, having cost only R100,000.
The ceremony has previously cost as much as R9.2m, but in 2019 the spending was capped at R2.2m.
Speaker of parliament Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has outlined some of the changes to arrangements to the state of the nation address. Sona 2022 takes place on Thursday February 10 at the Cape Town City Hall.
TimesLIVE
MORE:
Here’s why this year’s Sona will cost millions more than the last
What Winde wants: Western Cape premier outlines Sona wish list
EDITORIAL | Sona is Cyril’s chance to reverse SA’s tanking reputation
WATCH | Less pomp and ceremony expected for Sona, with no drones allowed over city hall
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Most read
Latest Videos