OFFICIAL OPENING AND STATE OF THE PROVINCE ADDRESS

by | Feb 13, 2024 | Media Release

Saldanha Bay Municipality will broadcast the livestreaming of the Official Opening and SOPA, the Debate on the SOPA, and the Reply on the SOPA Debate in the Saldanha Bay Municipality Council Chamber at 12 Main Road, Vredenburg.

  1. Official Opening and SOPA: Monday, 19 February 2024 @ 18:00
  2. Debate on the SOPA: Tuesday, 20 February 2024 @ 09:30
  3. Reply on the SOPA Debate: Tuesday, 20 February 2024 @ 14:00

Everyone is welcome to attend these events. No pre-booking is required.

What is SOPA?

The State of the Province Address, also known as SOPA, is an annual address to the province by the Premier, which focuses on the current political and socio-economic state of the province.

What happens during the SOPA?

The Premier sets out government’s key policy objectives and deliverables for the year ahead in his State of the Province Address (SOPA).  It highlights the province’s achievements and challenges experienced over the past year and maps the year ahead.  SOPA covers wide-ranging political, economic and social matters and considers the general state of South Africa.

What happens after the SOPA?

Political parties have an opportunity to debate, comment and raise questions on matters addressed in the Premier’s speech during a debate on the Premier’s State of the Province Address. This debate happens after the address and forms part of the oversight function the Provincial Legislature performs over the Executive in holding the Premier accountable for government’s performance and plans for the year ahead. The Premier also has the opportunity to reply to the debate.

The cyclical link between the State of the Province Address, the Budget and the Oversight function of Parliament

  • The State of the Province Address outlines government’s priorities for the year.
  • The MEC of Finance allocates the Budget in line with the priorities outlined in the State of Province Address including regular reporting.
  • Legislature conducts oversight over the Executive to ensure that government delivers on the priorities set out in the State of the Province Address and checks that allocated funds are spent accordingly.