Official Opening and State of the Province Address
Earlier today the Speaker of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament hosted the official opening of the first session of the Provincial Parliament.
The event was attended by some 300 guests and dignitaries including representatives of the Cape Town Consular Corps, mayors and municipal Speakers, former Premier of the Western Cape Helen Zille, Western Cape Police Commissioner General Jula, faith leaders and senior government officials.
The guests were welcomed to the local landmark Provincial Parliament building in Wale Street with a red carpet and the choir of the Chris Hani Arts and Culture High School.
Premier Alan Winde, his wife Tracy and their children Jason and Lauren, were received in the concourse by Speaker Mnqasela, Deputy Speaker Beverley Schäfer and Secretary to Parliament Romeo Adams. Parliamentary officials Muriel Esquire and Dustin Davids presented bouquets to Mrs and Miss Winde.
A short while later Serjeant-at-Arms Charles Dowman lead the Speaker’s procession to the Chamber for the start of the sitting. Members of the Chris Hani Arts and Culture High School choir lead the Members and guests in the singing of the national anthem whereafter Speaker Mnqasela formally opened proceedings with prayer.
Premier Alan Winde then delivered his first State of the Province Address, highlighting the successes achieved and the challenges facing the province, and the approach he and his cabinet will be taking to address these challenges.
Following the State of the Province Address the Premier and the Speaker presented certificates of commendation to Warrant Officer Michael Daniels and Constable Emile Farao who, in their own time and through raising funds privately, recently reunited Jane Daniels with the her son Denzil, who had been missing for some months.
Members and guests were then invited to a finger luncheon hosted by the Speaker.
The Members of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament will have the opportunity to debate the Premier’s State of the Province Address on Tuesday, 23 July. The Premier will reply to the debate on Thursday, 25 July.
