President Cyril Ramaphosa says he is ready for the opening of Parliament following a Government of National Unity (GNU) Cabinet lekgotla over the weekend.
Ramaphosa is expected to convene a joint sitting of the newly established two Houses of Parliament to deliver the opening of Parliament Address (OPA) for the seventh administration on Thursday.
The president led the first Cabinet lekgotla at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Tshwane this weekend with ministers, deputy ministers and premiers in attendance to set out a programme of action the government will undertake.
Speaking on the sidelines of the lekgotla, Ramaphosa said he was ready and in good spirits before Parliament opened.
“We have started plotting out what needs to be done to advance the lives of the people of South Africa as outlined in the statement of intent … When I open Parliament I’ll be outlining precisely the issues we have arrived at the lekgotla.
“There was unanimity on everything … It was a wonderful Cabinet lekgotla over the weekend.
“All people from different political parties felt that it was the very best Cabinet lekgotla and the very best strategic session they have ever been to because there was great synergy …There was no dissenting voice.
“The various issues that were discussed we found that we had common purpose. We were unified in our internet and commitment to take SA forward,” a buoyant Ramaphosa said.
He said the statement of intent that all political parties signed was the glue that held the 11 parties together.
He added that the Constitution was the overarching glue that all parties subscribed to its values and principles.
He urged South Africans to do “good deeds” on Thursday when he opens Parliament because it will be Mandela Day.
“We must do good deeds when we open Parliament on Mandela Day … We need to recommit as members of Parliament and as South Africans and take our country forward,” said Ramaphosa.
The opening of Parliament is expected to be attended by members of both Houses, the National Assembly and National Council of Provinces and will mark the start of the new five-year parliamentary cycle.
The address provides Ramaphosa an opportunity to outline the key priorities and policies of the seventh administration.
The seventh administration is made up of several political parties that formed a GNU founded on respect for the Constitution, the Bill of Rights in its entirety, a united South Africa and the rule of law.
The Star