No thrills and frills for Sona as Parliament cuts budget to R2m

NCOP chairperson Amos Masondo says the ceremony will retain its dignity and solemnity even with less money spent.

In a bid to cut costs in the face of the economic challenges the country is experiencing, Parliament is cutting back on some of the spectacles for President Cyril Ramaphosa's State of the Nation Address (Sona) next week Thursday.

National Assembly Speaker Thandi Modise shared these sentiments at a press briefing on Thursday and said R2m is budgeted for the ceremony.

Due to the May national elections, it will be the second State of the Nation Address this year.

Read: You watch this space! – President Ramaphosa makes firm commitments at Sona 2019

To discuss next week's festivities, Bongani Bingwa chats to National Council of Provinces (NCOP) chairperson Amos Masondo.

While saving as much money as possible and avoiding to go overboard, the occasion will still retain its dignity and solemnity. Everything will be done to ensure that the occasion is decent and is able to convey the kind of messages that need to be conveyed without any compromise.

Amos Masondo, Chairperson - National Council of Provinces

Masondo adds keeping the budget low for this Sona is an important achievement that has happened in recent times.

Listen below to the full interview:

This article first appeared on 702 : No thrills and frills for Sona as Parliament cuts budget to R2m

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