The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJoints), led by the South African Police Service (Saps), the State Security Agency and the South African National Defence Force, on Wednesday urged those not accredited or authorised to be in attendance at the 2024 State of the Nation Address (SoNA) to avoid the area around the Cape Town City Hall on Thursday.

President Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled to deliver the last SoNA about which there is likely to be heightenened interest given it precedes the 2024 general elections.

NatJoints is satisfied that all deployments are in place to ensure that the SoNA takes place peacefully and safely.

“It is on that score that we urge the cooperation of those who will be in and around the vicinity of the Cape Town City Hall on the day. Any lawlessness and any form of criminality and any behaviour that contravenes the law will be dealt with accordingly. No disruptions will be allowed and tolerated by law enforcement,” said the Saps.

The Saps highlighted that all law enforcement agencies have mobilised resources to heighten police visibility with the aim of preventing and combatting any form of “opportunistic crimes” before, during and post the planned address.

The police service said that residents of Cape Town, spectators and those who were operating businesses in the vicinity of the Cape Town City Hall were also advised about road closures provided by the City of Cape Town Traffic Services ahead of the delivery of the SoNA.

The NatJoints is also policing build-up activities to the SoNA and the four-day Investing in African Mining Indaba that is currently underway.

The Natjoints said it was confident that, like all other SoNA addresses, this one would also take place in a safe and secure environment.