Former President Jacob Zuma who now leads uMkhonto weSizwe(MK) Party would not be attending opening of Parliament. Picture: Itumeleng English/ Independent Newspapers
“It’s over ‘Helen Zille’s’ dead body that you will find President Jacob Zuma under the same roof with a “traitor” addressing him and the Nation,“ the uMkhonto We Sizwe Party’s spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela, said on Thursday.
Ndhlela was responding to questions on whether Zuma would attend the opening of the 7th Parliament.
He said all those who thought Zuma would attend the opening of Parliament were “delusional”.
“Those that think President Zuma will attend the opening of Parliament led and addressed by Cyril Ramaphosa are totally dislodged from reality. It’s over ‘Helen Zille’s’ dead body that you will find President Zuma under the same roof with a traitor addressing him and the Nation,” Ndhlela added.
While addressing media on Wednesday on the state of readiness to host the Opening of Parliament Address (OPA), Parliament Speaker Thoko Didiza told members of the media, that she could not say whether Zuma or former Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula would be attending the opening.
Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, said that Zuma was among guests that were invited. “We have invited former president Thabo Mbeki, Kgalema Motlanthe and Jacob Zuma. We have also invited our former speaker Baleka Mbete, deputy presidents Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka and David Mabuza. We have also invited our former speakers, including Thandi Modise as well as Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula.”
At the same time, Didiza said the list of all invited guests would be finalised on Thursday afternoon. She said the opening would be held in Cape Town City Hall at 7pm on Thursday, and all preparations were in place to welcome MPs and guests.
“This landmark event not only outlines the government’s strategic objectives and policy priorities but also officially inaugurates the new parliamentary term.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to address the opening. He will be leading the seventh administration tenure under the Government of National Unity (GNU).
The Parliament would be opened and addressed under the theme of “My Parliament, My Voice, My Future”.
According to the Speaker, the theme resonates with the momentous 30-year milestone of the country’s democracy during which the 7th Parliament was established.
It is reported that the cost of organising the opening of Parliament is estimated to be between R6m and R14m.
The Star
sipho.jack@inl.co.za
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