State of the Nation Address today
Hosia Mviringi
President Emmerson Mnangagwa is today expected to address a joint sitting of Parliament and Senate to deliver his sixth State of the nation address at the new Parliament building in Mt Hampden.
In his address, the President is expected to give a comprehensive review of achievements and ongoing government programs and initiatives while giving a glimpse into government priorities for the coming year.
Clerk of Parliament Mr Kennedy Chokuda confirmed the development in an announcement.
“Parliament of Zimbabwe would like to advise the nation, all clients and stakeholders of the SONA and the official opening of the 5th session of the Ninth Parliament by His Excellency, the President, Dr E D. Mnangagwa on 23rd November at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden, Harare. The address will commence at 12-midday. This is a historic momentous occasion where the last session of Parliament will be officially opened, before the next general election,” said Mr Chokuda.
The President is expected to tackle specific issues regarding governance, state of the economy, healthcare delivery, legislative achievements while giving an account to the nation on his Government’s key achievements for the year.
It is through the address that the President is expected to set the direction for the coming year by outlining his government’s socio-economic targets, outlining what the nation should expect in the coming year, including setting the legislative agenda for the coming year.
President Mnangagwa is delivering the State of the Nation Address (SONA) while at the same time officially opening the 5th Session of the 9th Parliament at the New Parliament Complex.
The State of the Nation address by the President is consistent with provisions of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Section 140 which reads;
“The President may at any time address either the House of Assembly or the joint sitting of both houses.”
Section 140(4) further states that ;
“At least once a year the President must address a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament on the state of the nation, and the Speaker and President if the Senate mist make the necessary arrangements to receive such an address.”
However, the magnificent six-story new Parliament building, which is also set to host the Budget presentation by Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube tomorrow, built from a friendly US$200 million Chinese grant, will be officially launched on a date yet to be decided, most likely early next year.
Speaking through his handle on microblogging site Twitter, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Nick Mangwana confirmed the development.
“His Excellency, President ED Mnangagwa will deliver the State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the New Parliament Complex in Mt Hampden on 23/11/22 (today), he said.
He then further stressed;
“Please note, this is not the official opening of the building. That will happen on a day to be announced in the future.”
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