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President Cyril Ramaphosa's Opening of Parliament address is expected to take place at 19:00 at the Cape Town City Hall on Thursday. (X@ParliamentofRSA)
- Law enforcement agencies are on alert for Thursday's Opening of Parliament address.
- Several road closures are in effect around City Hall, where the address will take place.
- A no-fly zone has also been implemented around City Hall.
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) is ready for the Opening of Parliament Address in Cape Town on Thursday night, and law enforcement agencies are in place and on high alert.
"Law enforcement agencies are already on the ground and are ready to deliver a safe and secure event," Natjoints spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said.
She said that the Natjoints had successfully policed a number of major events this year, including the elections and the presidential inauguration, which illustrated the "competence and capabilities" of law enforcement agencies.
"It is against this background that the Natjoints is confident of the measures it has put in place to ensure the Opening of Parliament Address (OPA)," Mathe said.
"Just like many other major events that have taken place without disruptions nor incidents in the City of Cape Town this year alone, the Natjoints is confident that the OPA will take place in a safe and secure environment."
Mathe stressed that only those accredited and authorised to be around the City Hall would be allowed in and around the venue.
She said:
Members of the public are cautioned against committing any illegal acts as law enforcement agencies will not hesitate to act against anyone who conducts themselves in an unlawful manner. Any threats or disruptions will be dealt with decisively within the ambit of the law.
"Those who wish to protest are urged to do so peacefully and must at all times consider the applicable laws of the country."
Road closures planned for the opening of Parliament address. (News24)
She added that roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, foot patrols and air patrols could be expected.
A Civil Aviation Authority notice has been issued to restrict the airspace within five nautical miles and 12 000 feet above sea level to the City Hall.
"All flyers are advised that this is a strictly no drone zone. Those who are found to be operating drones in the vicinity will be in breach of the restriction imposed by the Central Airspace management. Transgressors will be dealt with," Mathe added.
READ | Take note of these Cape Town road closures ahead of Opening of Parliament Address
Road closures are in place in sections of the CBD and southern suburbs.
Darling Street, Corporation Street, Longmarket Street, Parade Street, Plein Street, Roeland Street and Buitenkant Street are among the roads that will be closed.
The N2 and M3 highways, as well as Philip Kgosana Drive, Woolsack Drive, Anzio Road, Klipper Road, Princess Anne Avenue, and Dean Street are also affected.
President Cyril Ramaphosa's Opening of Parliament Address is scheduled to start at 19:00.
