Briefing the media on their state of readiness with less than a week to go, Zanele confirmed it is all systems go. She highlighted how the SOPA will this year be held under strict Covid-19 regulations. In adherence to Covid-19 lockdown guidelines which prohibits mass gatherings. Zanele confirmed only 17 Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs) will be allowed inside the provincial chambers on March the 2nd when Premier Sisi Ntombela delivers her much-awaited speech.

The much-anticipated Sopa is set to mark the official opening of the Free State Legislature and afford Ntombela to outline the provincial government's priorities for the year.

Following President Cyril Ramaphosa's recent State of the Nation Address (SONA) and the budget speech delivered by Finance Minister Tito Mboweni on Wednesday, Ntombela is in her speech expected to address questions relating to high unemployment rates, the poor state of municipalities and means to address irregular and fruitless expenditure, amongst others.

Sifuba said the majority of the MPLs will join proceedings virtually. She announced that only a limited number of people will be allowed at the 4th Raadsaal, including only 16 journalists from various media houses.

Whilst she confirmed costs and expenditure for this year's SOPA will be much less, she could not divulge how much they will be spending and confirmed a post SOPA media briefing will take place with herself and Ntombela after she has delivered her speech.

OFM News