Pictures by Ngizozo Jiyane, Elmond Jiyane and Kopano Tlape
Cape Town – Parliament was a hive of activity this week as preparations are made for President Jacob Zuma’s eighth State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Posters and banners have already been set up along Plein Street and there was a strong police presence around the parliamentary precinct, which is already under lockdown.
This year’s SONA theme is “Celebrating 20 years of the Constitution and the National Council of Provinces”.
Around 730 local and international journalists have been accredited to cover SONA 2017.
A number of roads have been closed over the coming days and on the day of the opening of Parliament. A full list of closures is available here.
The City of Cape Town has also granted two permits for gatherings on the Grand Parade.
Parliament issued a statement that it does not anticipate any disruptions when the president delivers the address.
Zuma is expected to take the podium at 7pm on Thursday.
The SONA is usually followed by a debate and a chance for the president to reply.