For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Thabi Shomolekae.

Making headlines: All EFF MPs to boycott SoNA after court ruling; ANC says Ramaphosa will be delivering SoNA amidst progress and challenges; And, Busa seeks govt's backing on private sector support to resolve energy, logistics crise

All EFF MPs to boycott SoNA after court ruling

This evening, the Economic Freedom Fighters will turn its attention to preparations for the launch of its manifesto this weekend, as the country watches President Cyril Ramaphosa deliver his eighth State of the Nation Address.

All EFF members of Parliament will boycott the SoNA in solidarity with the leaders that were barred from attending, following a High Court ruling.

Last year, EFF members stormed the stage during Ramaphosa’s SoNA, in contravention of Parliament’s rules. 

They were suspended, without pay, from Parliamentary activities for February.

The EFF said that it rejected with contempt the court ruling and called it a suppression of democracy and constitutional accountability in South Africa. The party plans to appeal the ruling.

ANC says Ramaphosa will be delivering SoNA amidst progress and challenges

Ahead of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address, this evening, the African National Congress assured that it remains steadfast in its resolve to overcome challenges facing the country and to continue steering South Africa toward prosperity.

Ramaphosa will deliver his SoNA with many expectations from citizens, political parties and business. The ANC said Ramaphosa would be delivering the address amidst progress and challenges.

This year's State of the Nation Address is expected to reflect on the gains made by South Africa, as well as affirming the determination to defend the country’s democracy from opportunistic elements that are set on undermining the unstoppable programme of transformation.

The party said the address must be a beacon of hope as it accounts on commitments made whilst pointing in the direction that must now be taken to transform South Africa in the interest of a better life for all.

And, Busa seeks govt's backing on private sector support to resolve energy, logistics crise

Business organisation Business Unity South Africa has outlined its expectations for President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address tonight, with the first being a call for a clear acknowledgement on the partnership between government and business on energy, logistics and crime and corruption.

It also expects a commitment from government to open up space for greater participation by the private sector in building, operating and maintaining critical logistics networks and in generating energy.

Busa highlights that there has been some progress in these areas, particularly in energy, but also in logistics, with the recent announcement that Transnet Freight Rail has taken delivery of seven sets of locomotive batteries procured by the Richards Bay Coal Terminal.

The business organisation also wants a clear commitment to ensure that critical pieces of legislation, like the National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Bill will be processed expeditiously.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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