SONA: South Africa’s worst nightmare brought to life


By Tshegofatso Makola

'Peaceful protests', a small one-liner about gender-based violence (despite this crisis we find ourselves in), the all-so-moral party in the blue, and the usual apologies and promises made by the head of state. What a show the SONA was, too bad many people in the country were unable to watch it. 


In true cinematic style, one arrives at the premiere of a show, immaculately dressed, picture-perfect- waiting for the paparazzi to flash their lights and ask a million questions as you make your way across the red carpet.

The SONA was no different from a theatre premiere, with members of Parliament and guests arriving dressed to the nines, further emphasising their bourgeoisie status, and the paparazzi- well, the media, waiting to get the insight into the world of politics and decision-making that happens behind closed doors.

“Introducing the State of the Nation Address, presented by President Cyril Ramaphosa, at the Cape Town City Hall, with a performance by the red-berets and featuring the Presidential Security. Tickets are limited”

This is how the 2023 SONA should have been pitched to the public of South Africa, who waited all week for some sense of formality to guide them through the difficult time we face as a country.

Instead, we waited and watched as the highest regard we know turned into a premiere of the chaos that was yet to come for our country.

Act one, scene one: President Cyril Ramaphosa walks on stage, and with the legendary iPad in one hand, he takes to the podium and begins his address when- “on a point of order Speaker”.

The words marked the beginning of many more that would come for many more minutes into the President’s address. The main objective set: to ensure that Ramaphosa does not address the nation.

With Ramaphosa having had his fair share of controversy over the past few months, delivering the SONA was never going to be a simple task. 

Despite the 'Phala Phala' farm saga being a major issue of contention, Speaker of Parliament, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula made her stance very clear: If you brought up a matter that had nothing to do with the SONA or did not listen to her orders, you would be kicked out of the chamber, and so began the kicking out of the first 'trouble maker of the class', Vuyolwethu Zungula.

Zungula, a member of the African Transformation Movement (ATM) dealt a heavy blow from the speaker of Parliament after defying her instruction. Although many may argue that his removal was somewhat premeditated. 

With the ATM being known for being the party who took the Phala Phala matter up for investigation, one could see that he may have been a target in yesterday’s proceedings. Nonetheless, one can agree that he is one of the very few members of Parliament that were kicked out, with their dignity and reputation intact.

Presenting the entertainment: the Economic Freedom Fighters, featuring the Presidential Security as well as the Parliamentary Protection Services.

The EFF has throughout the week made their intentions clear to disrupt the SONA, but strangely enough, thought that doing so would result in the President not speaking at all. 

Their dismissal from the chamber saw placards being raised and even some members of the party wanting to share the stage with Ramaphosa.

The next few scenes can easily be described as South Africans’ nightmare brought to life, as we truly witnessed the unimaginable. EFF members were found in a scuffle with Presidential security in a bid to 'protect the statesman' because after all, what’s scarier than black people raising their voices on placards?

The behaviour of the EFF at that moment proved to be the only unpredictable thing of SONA, with the President bringing yet another set of promises and goals with remarks like “better late than never”. The energy crisis seemed to be the main matter of urgency, with the declaration of a National State of Disaster as well as the announcement of a new Ministerial position for Electricity.

The script of this play saw the same protagonist (Ramaphosa) battle once again to win the heart of the people. The question remains, will the sequel see the same results as before, or will we see the same issues play out once again in the next production?

One thing is certain though, people are losing more and more hope every day, the time for talk is over and now we yearn for some action.

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Cyril Ramaphosa

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