One week until Premier Alan Winde delivers the 2021 State of the Province Address
On Wednesday, 17 February, Premier Alan Winde will deliver his state of the Province Address in the historic town of Genadendal.
Premier Winde said: "The annual State of the Province Address is an opportunity for me to update residents on the commitments we have made to them, and the progress we have made in achieving these."
"I will also be providing detail on the recovery plans that the Western Cape Government has put in place to enable the growth of our economy and save jobs, create a safer province, and to advance dignity and wellbeing for all of our residents."
Premier Winde added: "We know that Covid-19 is still with us and will be for some time, so part of my speech will also outline how the province will respond to the pandemic in the year ahead."
The annual SOPA address and debate are later followed by the provincial budget speech, which details the funding mechanisms for the work we intend to do.
"A number of processes have been held in the run up to SOPA and the budget speech- including meetings of the Provincial Government Medium Term Expenditure Committee. These meetings are hosted by the Provincial Treasury and are held with each department to discuss their priorities and funding requirements. Today we will also wrap up the provincial cabinet's bosberaad, where we have held in depth discussions, with a focus on our three priorities of jobs, safety and dignity and wellbeing," Premier Winde said.
The State of the Province Address is hosted by the Western Cape Provincial Legislature, and as part of their efforts to take Parliament closer to communities, the Speaker, Masizole Mnqasela identified the historic town of Genadendal to host the event this year.
The address and the debate which follows will be held as hybrid sittings, in compliance with Covid-19 regulations.
Premier Winde said: "Genadendal is known for many firsts- it is the site of the first teacher's training college and one of the country's first printing presses. I am pleased that Genadendal will now host its first SOPA and I look forward to visiting the town, and the Theewaterskloof district next week."
Important details for the media:
The Premier will deliver his address during a sitting to take place at 10.45am at the Emil Weder High School Hall, 1 Hartzenberg Avenue, Genadendal and via live feed in parallel in the WCPP Chamber, 7 Wale Street, Cape Town. Some members will also participate online.
LIVESTREAM:
Due to COVID-19 regulations, a maximum of 50 people can attend either one of these venues. It is therefore recommended that media representatives wishing to cover the event, follow proceedings online via livestream. The livestream will integrate footage of the proceedings in Genadendal, Cape Town and virtual participation.
Link to SOPA livestream, 17 February, 10:30: https://www.wcpp.gov.za/node/8924
Media representatives wanting to join the MS Teams meeting can request the link from the Digital Communication Officer, Matthys Odendal, at modendal@wcpp.gov.za
IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE:
Photographers and television news cameras wishing to cover the event in Genadendal or in Cape Town in person, must contact Matthys Odendal (082 575 1735 or modendal@wcpp.gov.za) before 12:00 on Friday, 12 February for accreditation.
Please provide the following: personal information (title, first name, surname and company) and contact information (cellphone number and email address).
Members of the media who have received accreditation must report to the registration desk in front of the Emil Weder High School Hall or at the 7 Wale Street entrance to the Western Cape Provincial Parliament (in the concourse) between 09:00 and 10:00 on 17 February.
All media representatives must bring an ID book/card or driving licence and a completed COVID-19 self-declaration form in order to gain entry.
Photographers and television crews whose equipment has been cleared by security, may also cover the arrival of the Premier at the Emil Weder High School Hall in Genadendal.
Photographers and television camera operators will be allowed inside the venues in Genadendal and in Cape Town one at a time on a rotational basis.
SOPA DEBATE AND REPLY:
The debate on the Premier’s State of the Province Address (SOPA) and the reply by the Premier on the debate will take place in the same venues and on the same platforms on 18 February. The links to the livestream for the events on 18 February:
Link to SOPA debate livestream, 18 February, 09:30: https://www.wcpp.gov.za/node/8925
Link to the Premier’s reply on the SOPA debate livestream, 18 February, 13:45: https://www.wcpp.gov.za/node/8926
