Expectations are high that during her delivery of the provincial government policies, and outline of the direction to be taken for the year, she will address questions regarding service delivery issues experienced in the province following the unrest that made national headlines last year. Her address on the 21st will come just two days after the premier of the Free State, Sisi Ntombela, delivers hers. Both their speeches are expected to echo President Cyril Ramaphosa’s goals and targets for the country, which he will present before Cabinet and other members of parliament next week, on February 7.

Meanwhile, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Baleka Mbete, and chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Thandi Modise, on Wednesday briefed the media about parliament’s preparations and state of readiness to host the 2019 SONA.

"The preparatory work to deliver the February SONA was activated last year, and the institution is now at an advanced stage to ensure a successful occasion. As South Africans continue to face economic challenges, Parliament has cut the budget for the SONA ceremony by 47% in comparison to the 2018 budget. From the budgeted R4.7 million in 2018, the actual expenditure came down to R1.9m. For this SONA, we have budgeted R2.5 million, and we are confident that with the further spending control measures put in place, the actual expenditure will be significantly lower,” the speaker and chairperson said.

The EFF has nonetheless, thus far, threatened to disrupt the SONA should Ramaphosa not address questions regarding the Bosasa scandals and act against ANC members implicated in corruption as revealed at the state capture commission of inquiry.

OFM News