Any action aimed at disrupting SONA will be dealt with, Natjoints warns

Natjoints said that integrated and joint law enforcement operations were under way to ensure that SONA takes place in a secure environment.

• Natjoints says officers are on high alert to ensure that no disruptions or criminal activities affect this year’s State of the Nation Address.
• President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the SONA at the Cape Town City Hall on Thursday.
• Natjoints warned that any action aimed at disrupting the event would be dealt with. 

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) says officers are on high alert to ensure that there are no disruptions or criminal elements occur during this year’s State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Natjoints – which includes the South African Police Service (SAPS), SA National Defence Force and the State Security Agency (SSA) – said on Tuesday that integrated and joint law enforcement operations were under way to ensure that SONA takes place in a secure environment.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the address at the Cape Town City Hall on Thursday.

“To this end, the Natjoints is calling for the cooperation of the public, including those who will be in attendance, as well as spectators,” spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said.

“Any action aimed at disrupting the SONA or intentionally contravening the law will be dealt with accordingly within the ambit of the law.

“The Natjoints has also directed all law enforcement agencies securing the SONA to execute their duties according to their Constitutional mandate and within relevant prescripts.”

Mathe said a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) had also been issued by the Civil Aviation Authority, which restricts the airspace within 1.5 nautical miles from the Cape Town City Hall between 13:00 and  00:00 on Thursday.

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She said only the SA Air Force (SAAF) would have flexible use of airspace during this period. Drones are also not permitted.

She said the airspace restrictions would also be in place during the “Parliamentary Debate and Presidential Reply on 14 to 16 February 2023, and during the Budget Speech on 22 February”.

“Residents of Cape Town, spectators and those who are operating businesses in the vicinity of the Cape Town City Hall are advised about road closures ahead of the delivery of the president’s State of the Nation Address,” Mathe said.

“It is important to emphasise that those who are not accredited or authorised to be in attendance, should avoid the area around the Cape Town City Hall on Thursday.”