Picture: North West Premier, Bushy Maape/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
It is all systems go for the delivery of the State of the Province Address (SOPA) by the North West Premier, Bushy Maape on 24 February 2023. The embattled Maape is expected to deliver his address during the official opening of the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL).
In the address, Maape will highlight the government’s achievements in the previous financial year and pronounce new government commitments, which are aimed at speeding up service delivery, growing the economy, and creating jobs.
Maape spokesperson, Sello Tatai said: “Members of the media are also invited to a compulsory Pre-SOPA Media Briefing Session on 23 February 2023 in the Legislature Library at 15h00.
“During the session, rules of the chamber will be outlined to all members of the media covering the SOPA and accreditations will be issued. All invited guests must be seated before 9am.”
Tatai further said all vehicles should report to the remote search park at Mmabatho Stadium parking lot before entering the legislature premises. He added, there will be regulated access on some roads around the legislature precinct.
“SOPA will be broadcast live on Office of the Premier, North West Provincial Government, and North West Provincial Legislature social media platforms, as well as on Motsweding FM, YOU FM, community radio stations in the province, and other communication platforms,” concluded Tatai.
Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said, the North West Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS) made up of various government departments and security forces, led by the South African Police Service (SAPS), is ready to ensure a safe and secure SOPA.
“In order to ensure that the event is incidents free, law enforcement and safety officers will be deployed on all the main roads leading into Mahikeng as well at the identified key points, which include the Mega City, government offices, the North West University (NWU), the Courts and the parliament precinct.
“Normal daily activities will not be affected by security arrangements, but it is equally important for the public, motorists, and pedestrians to take note of the regulated or restricted access into certain roads and thoroughfares around the parliament precinct between 8:30am and 10am on Friday,” Mokgwabone said.
He said, however, police and traffic officers will be on-site to re-direct motorists and pedestrians to other alternative roads. According to Mokgwabone, civil servants in the complex and neighbouring government buildings will still be allowed to access their offices.
“The streets/roads that will be affected are Nelson Mandela Drive and William Dick Street, Nelson Mandela Drive and Aerodrome Crescent, Nelson Mandela Drive, and Sekame Street, Nelson Mandela Drive and Dr Albert Luthuli Drive, Dr Albert Luthuli Drive and Dr James Moroka Drive, Dr James Moroka Drive and Stadium road including Dr James Moroka Drive and Hector Petersen Street
“The PROVJOINTS would like to urge members of the community to cooperate and to respect the rule of law as security forces will not hesitate to act on any criminality,” he said.
The Guardian 