On Thursday, 8 February 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver his State of the Nation Address (SONA) from Cape Town City Hall, marking the official opening of Parliament.
Cape Town road closures to take note of ahead of SONA 2024
As Cape Town gears up for the highly anticipated SONA 2024, the city braces for a blend of ceremonial grandeur and logistical planning.
The event, celebrated with a Civil Guard of Honour and a military spectacle, including a 21-gun salute and a South African Air Force flypast, necessitates comprehensive traffic management.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of Cape Town road closures ahead of SONA 2024:
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Rehearsal Road Closures (5-7 February, 2024):
- Darling Street between Buitenkant and Tenant Street will see closures to accommodate rehearsals for SONA 2024.
- Closures on 8 February extend to:
- Darling Street between Plein Street and Buitenkant;
- Corporation Street between Caledon Street and Darling;
- Longmarket Street between Plein Street and Buitenkant;
- Parade Street between Caledon Street and Darling;
- Plein Street between Roeland Street and Barrack Street; and
- Commercial Street between Buitenkant and Plein Street, with varying closure times.
SONA Event Road Closures (8 February 2024):
- Extended closures on 8 February from early morning until late at night include the aforementioned roads with additional restrictions during the event’s peak hours.
Parking Restrictions (8, 13-15 February 2024):
- Areas around Grand Parade Cape Town, sections of Roeland Street, Plein Street, Spin Street, Commercial Street, Parade Street, and Corporation Street will face parking restrictions to facilitate the SONA event and subsequent parliamentary debates.
Alternative Routes:
- To circumvent closed roads, travellers are advised to use the N2 via the N1 FW de Klerk Blvd, the M3 via the M5 (Black River Parkway) or M4 (Main Rd) onto Victoria Rd and Christiaan Barnard Rd to navigate around the CBD. An Outer CBD Circle Road utilizing Christiaan Barnard Street, F W de Klerk Blvd, Buitengracht, Buitensingel St, Orange St, Jutland Ave, and Tennant St is recommended for avoiding closed areas.
Adjustments to bus services
In light of road closures for SONA 2024, bus services will be affected as follows:
- MyCiTi Operations: Routes will experience deviations, with all stops remaining open but with changes to the usual routes on February 8, 2024. Commuters are advised to use Groote Kerk Stop, Civic Centre, or Adderley Stop as alternatives due to these adjustments.
- Golden Arrow Bus Service: The Golden Acre bus terminus will operate normally on 8 February 2024. Buses from the terminus will proceed via Lower Plein St and Strand. Incoming buses will divert via Russell St and Strand St to the terminus. Operations will continue as normal unless disruptions on the Grand Parade necessitate an exit via Strand St.
What to expect from Ramaphosa’s SONA address
Ramaphosa’s presidency has been shadowed by controversies, notably the persistent issues of unemployment, economic stagnation, escalating crime rates, and subpar service delivery.
Furthermore, with elections looming this year, Ramaphosa’s delay in announcing the election date has attracted criticism, particularly from opposition leaders.
In the upcoming SONA, Ramaphosa faces the daunting task of addressing these critical national concerns head-on.
The address is expected to not only reflect on the administration’s achievements and setbacks but also set the course for the year ahead amidst these socio-political and economic challenges.
With the country commemorating 30 years of freedom, this SONA presents an opportunity for Ramaphosa to outline a vision that resonates with the aspirations and realities of South Africa’s populace.
One of the most pressing issues that citizens anticipate Ramaphosa will tackle is the Eskom loadshedding crisis, which has severely impacted daily life and the economy.
Political analysts and the public alike are keen to hear concrete solutions to this enduring problem, which symbolises the broader challenges of governance and infrastructure management faced by his administration.
Moreover, the SONA is expected to shed light on plans to revitalise the economy, reduce unemployment, and combat crime and corruption—key areas where promises made in previous addresses are yet to fully materialise into tangible outcomes.
