[imagesource: Duncan Alfreds / News24]

It’s that time of the year again.

On Thursday evening, President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver his State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Before that, we will be subjected to the nauseous sight of politicians walking down the red carpet as journalists fawn over which designer they’re wearing.

I’ve made my thoughts on the matter very clear. At least it means a break from load shedding.

It’s also quite remarkable that we can afford to fly jets over the Cape Town CBD, terrorising pets, but can’t build toilets or provide basic services for so many citizens.

Deep breath. Exhale.

The standard military flyover display is slated to occur around 6:30PM, with Ramaphosa’s address kicking off at 7PM. That’s assuming the EFF doesn’t get up to any shenanigans and things run on time.

So anyway, about those road closures and whatnot. This year will be slightly different in that instead of being held in Parliament (fire damaged), the ceremony will be held in the Cape Town City Hall.

News24 has the list:

The following road currently closed and will remain so until 23:59 on Wednesday, 16 February:

Corporation Street, between Darling and Longmarket streets, completely closed to motorists. However, a walk path is available for pedestrians.

There will be kerbside fencing around the perimeter of the Cape Town City Hall, covering:

• Darling Street
• Corporation Street
• Parade Street
• Longmarket Street

From 5PM through to midnight tonight, Darling Street, between Plein and Buitenkant streets, will be closed. There will be traffic control on Darling Street, between Buitenkant Street and the Castle of Good Hope.

On Thursday, the following CBD roads will be closed:

Roeland Street, between Buitenkant and Brandweer streets (between 5:45PM and 7:30PM)

Buitenkant Street, between Roeland and Darling streets (between 5:45PM and 7:30PM)

Commercial Street, between Plein and Buitenkant streets – becomes bi-directional (04:00 to 23:45)

Plein Street, between Roeland and Barrack streets. Contingency closure in case of an emergency (08:00 to 23:45). Roads contained in the parking (04:00 to 23:45).

Newlands will also be affected:

• Klipper Road in Newlands, from Main Road (M4) to Newlands Avenue (between 17:45 and 19:00, for approximately 35 minutes)
• Princess Anne Avenue, Newlands, from Newlands Avenue to Union Avenue (between 17:45 and 19:00, for approximately 35 minutes)
• Newlands, from Dean Street to Princess Anne Avenue (17:45 to 19:00, for approximately 35 minutes)
• Dean Street westbound, from Main Road (M4) to Newlands Avenue M3 (17:45 to 19:00, for 35 minutes)

The following roads will see parking restrictions and road closures on Thursday:

• Darling Street, between Plein and Buitenkant streets
• Longmarket Street, between Plein and Buitenkant streets
• Corporation Street, between Caledon and Darling streets
• Parade Street, between Caledon and Darling streets
• Plein Street, between Roeland and Barrack streets
• Commercial Street, between Nieuwmeester Parking and Plein Street

In other words, stay out of the CBD if you can. It’s a good day to work from home.

If you have to go into the office, make sure you beat a hasty retreat long before the shameless politicians trot the red carpet.

Are we going to see hard hats flying around and the ceaseless shouting of ‘honourable member’? If the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJoints) sticks to its word, then probably not.

City Press reports:

…the security cluster said that any action aimed at disrupting the Sona or intentionally contravening the law would be dealt with accordingly.

“Security forces have been deployed and are on high alert to ensure that the Sona takes place in a secure environment with no incidents of crime before, during and post the [address].”

Perhaps they can step up where the NPA hasn’t and arrest a few crooked politicians while they’re at it.

[sources:news24&citypress]