The Week Ahead: It’s all about #SONA2017

On Thursday, all eyes will be fixated on President Zuma as he delivers the annual State of the Nation Address (SONA).

The speech, due to be delivered at 19:00 before a combined gathering of Parliament, cabinet, the judiciary and the public will seek to build on the ruling party’s January 8th Statement.

The occasion is steeped in tradition and includes a red carpet procession, a 21-gun salute and an Air Force flypast.

Persistent unemployment and inequality, a weakened and untransformed economy, and problems weighing down state owned companies are some of the major challenges facing the country. The President is expected to talk to these issues in his speech. He is also expected to mention measures to accelarate land reform and perhaps make 1or 2 surprise policy announcements.

Don’t expect inspirational and soaring rhetoric in the 5,000-word speech (this is the average length of the President’s SONA speeches). It is usually a laundry list of priorities, achievements, targets and plans for the forthcoming year.

Disruptions, heckling and walk outs have marred the last 2 addresses. The EFF recently said that as long as they are in Parliament, President Zuma is never going to have peace. It's therefore not inconceivable to predict that more chaos can be expected this year.

The entire precinct will be abuzz with preparations as construction and cleaning crews do last minute touch ups, security personnel do their drills and those participating in the parade undertake rehearsals. The perimeter outside the legislature will also be impacted by road closures.

As the President steps up to the dais, he will know that there are a lot of expectations and that the public and financial markets will be watching the speech closely.

Watch the 2016 SONA here.

Despite the scant two-day schedule, there are several interesting meetings lurking in the committee corridor this week. Here is a breakdown:

On Tuesday, after nearly a year, two interview processes, vetting issues and political manoevouring, the Ad Hoc committee tasked with filling the National Youth Development Agency Board is finally set to recommend names for appointment. The EFF and DA have complained about the calibre of the candidates and the appointment process followed so it remains to be seen if this will derail things again.

The Ad Hoc Committee on the Filling of Vacancies in the Commission for Gender Equality will shortlist candidates to be interviewed as Commissioners for the body.

The Portfolio Committee on Health will discuss improving the health of pregnant women and reducing maternal and neonatal and infant mortality and Progress made on placement of health professionals who have obtained their qualifications. The second issue has made headlines recently. Hundreds of newly qualified medical graduates are unable to find posts. Experts say that the public health system simply can't absorb them - despite a critical shortage of staff at public health facilities. The Standing Committee on Finance will be hold public hearings on the Insurance Bill.

On Wednesday, legislation mainly in the spotlight:

First, the Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry has arranged a workshop on the Performers Protection Bill .

Second, the Portfolio Committee on Small Business Development will get an explanation on the Red-Tape Reduction Bill.

Lastly, the joint finance and appropriation committees have scheduled a workshop on the Review of the Money Bills Amendment Procedure and Related Matters Act. Every year, legistators and civil society complain during budget and annual report seasons that the timeframes are very short and that meaningful engagement is not possible, let alone suggesting amendments. The review will look specifically into the time frames and sequencing associated with the different financial instruments and bills, and the parliamentary procedures related to them.

View the full schedule here.