It’s all systems go for Sopa 2018

The Speaker of the Legislature, Polly Boshielo during a pre-Sopa media briefing yesterday (Wednesday) at the Polokwane Council Chamber boardroom divulged that it was all systems go for the 2018 State of the Province Address (Sopa) scheduled for tomorrow (Friday) at Jack Botes Hall.
She outlined the purpose of the gathering as a platform for Premier Stan Mathabatha to address the citizens of Limpopo on the progress made by government in delivering services to the people, and also to outline government’s programmes for the 2018/19 financial year.
Boshielo, accompanied by her deputy, Lehlogonolo Masoga said the fact that Sopa was moved to Jack Botes Hall instead of the Legislative Chamber in Lebowakgomo as was the case the past two years was to minimise the costs and reiterated that they managed to save about R1,4 million during the previous Sopa.
“All the preparations have been done and we are confident that the Legislature will host a successful Sopa. Security measures will be implemented in order to ensure that all our guests are safe. As a province we pride ourselves with maintaining a record of incident free Sopa events,” she explained, adding that the hall allows them to accommodate at least 1 000 people than the Legislative Chamber which only caters for about 200 people.
Boshielo stated that the address will be widely broadcasted on various television channels and radio stations in order to reach the public within and outside the province. All guests are expected to be seated at 9:30, she said, adding that the Premier’s address will be followed by the Sopa debate on Tuesday and Mathabatha will respond to issues raised during the debate on Thursday. Provincial Treasury MEC Rob Tooley is set to deliver the budget speech on 6 March.

Story and photo:  ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za