SONA 2025 will include the long-standing tradition of a parade, fly-over and military band, despite the DA's call for a cut-back.
Image: File Armand Hough/ Independent Newspapers
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will take part in the traditional 21-gun salute and military fly-over during Thursday's State of the Nation Address (SONA) despite the Democratic Alliance's call for a cut-back.
In light of the recent deaths of 14 South African peacekeeping soldiers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the DA requested earlier this week that the military presence at the event be reduced.
The DA expressed worry that the full military demonstration could be inappropriate in light of the recent loss and urged for the postponement of the planned military fly-over in a letter to Parliamentary Speaker Thoko Didiza.
Members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the MK Party advocated that no military parade should be held as a sign of respect and solidarity for the deceased troops during the discussion of the topic at last week's Chief Whips' Forum.
They lost the vote, though, as ANC Chief Whip Mdumiseni Ntuli defended the march, emphasising that it was a significant and enduring SONA tradition.
Didiza affirmed Wednesday that all would go according to schedule for the entire military march.
She said that after communicating the DA's request to the SANDF, the Defense Force ultimately chose to keep the regular display in place.
Rehearsals for the event were seen taking place in Cape Town on Wednesday, confirming that the military would go ahead with its involvement.
The SANDF said on Thursday via X that it will be participating in SONA 2025 with a ceremonial guard, fly-past, 21-gun salute, street lining, presidential motorcade escorts, and an entertainment band.
With the theme "A Nation that Works, for All" President Cyril Ramaphosa will speak in Cape Town City Hall at 7pm.
It is anticipated that a number of luminaries, including former leaders of state, will attend but former president Jacob Zuma will not attend.
IOL understands that Zuma will not attend because of his appearance in Court on Thursday.
The latest communication from the SANDF is that the repatriation of the dead soldiers has been delayed.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
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