The "treasonous" act by AfriForum, the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) matter and US-South Africa relations are some of the topics that MPs need answers to.

Lawmakers have been given two days to either praise or criticise President Cyril Ramaphosa; while the president is scheduled to respond on Thursday.

The debate will be held in the Cape Town City Hall from Tuesday until Wednesday.

Many political parties have asked Ramaphosa to act quickly against AfriForum, which is being accused of treason, even though some may voice support for the president and his speech.

On Thursday, the National Assembly will convene a meeting to plan for the business of the House.

The meeting will consider the draft programme, committee reports, and Bills before the House.

While the Democratic Alliance (DA) has welcomed and praised Ramaphosa's speech, other party leaders like Mmusi Maimane, Pieter Groenewald and Songezo Zibi urged the president to act on his promises.

Some of the promises included R940 billion being invested in infrastructure over the next three years and R375 billion allocated to state-owned companies.

What stood out for many was when Ramaphosa told US President Donald Trump that South Africans will not be bullied and will by all means protect their sovereignty.

"We are resilient people. We will not be bullied. We will stand together as a united nation. We will speak with one voice in defence of our national interest, our sovereignty and our constitutional democracy.

"By staying true to our values, by harnessing our unique strengths and endowments, and by forging a common purpose, we can turn these trying circumstances to our advantage and propel our country forward," Ramaphosa said.

However, parties like the EFF, MK Party, and the African Transformation Movement (ATM) said Ramaphosa's speech was not inspirational.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

IOL Politics

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SONA LIVE Debate | AfriForum, SANDF, US-SA relations top agenda as MPs sit to question Ramaphosa's address