Welcome to the SOPA 2022 Media Information Page. Below you’ll find details of the upcoming Media Networking Session as well as information about the media accreditation process. This page will be updated frequently with new information in the lead-up to the State of the Province Address.

[MEDIA RELEASE] DEBATE ON SOPA & PREMIER’S REPLY
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Accreditation

Due to COVID 19 regulations and compliance, a limited number of guests can be accommodated at venue; therefore, a maximum of 40 seats have been allocated for media personnel. Media partners are encouraged to make use of the livestreaming avenues to access the live proceedings.
Only accredited media will have access to the venue (Brixton Multi-purpose Centre). NO ACCESS WITHOUT ACCREDITATION.
Specific Accreditation will be issued to Members of the Media.
Only accredited outside broadcast vehicles will be allowed into the allocated spot for media vehicles at the venue. Please ensure each member of the team has pre-registered for and collected their accreditation.
Members of the Media are requested to use the online RSVP form to register for accreditation. Once registered, vetted media will be able to collect their accreditation tags at Gauteng Provincial Legislature (Cnr. City Hall & President Streets, Johannesburg) between Friday, 18th and Sunday 20th February 2021; between 10h00 and 15h00. Proof of identification will be required upon collection.

Accreditation has now closed

Screening

  • All media that will access the venue will have to go through a mandatory screening process.
  • Upon registration everyone will be issued with an overlay and “screened” sticker.
  • Mask covering nose and mouth must be worn at ALL TIMES.
  • NO MASK, NO ENTRY.

Seating Logistics

The 2022 Official Opening of the Legislature will take place at the Brixton Multipurpose Centre on Monday 21st February. The Centre will be declared a GPL Precinct on the day, and setup to reflect the House Chamber. Premier David Makhura will deliver the SOPA during an official Sitting of the Legislature. 

  • The 40 expected Members of the media will be restricted to designated areas in the Chamber.
  • All set-up of Outside Broadcast vehicles, in designated locations, must be completed by Sunday, 20th February at 20h00.
  •  A functional Media Operations Centre will be setup for all media personnel on the day.
  • The Premier’s Speech will be disseminated electronically and via WhatsApp to all media shortly after the Sitting commences.
  • TV broadcast will cover SOPA for live viewing (SABC and Parliamentary Channel).

Parking

Parking will be available at Phineas Macintosh Park on Queens Road, Mayfair. Guests will be shuttled from the parking site to the event site.

OB vans will park separately in a demarcated area at the event venue.

Live broadcast feeds and Internet Access

A live feed will be provided for all media, including a feed for OB vans. Details of the feed will be shared through a media advisory. The Media Operations Centre will have a live feed of proceedings from the Sitting. Wifi access will be provided on-site.

Interviews

No physical interviews will take place pre-SOPA. Media is encouraged to conduct telephonic interviews before the Address. Media wishing to conduct live interviews with GPL Presiding Officers and MPLs are advised to liaise with Mr Thebe Khumalo, Ms Pfano Bulasigobo and Mr Mohlalefi Lebotha (click here for contact details). Interviews can be conducted after the Sitting.

Where to watch

  • Gauteng Provincial Legislature Website and YouTube page
  • Parliamentary channel (408)
  • SABC News (403)

Street Closures

A clear and detailed notice on road closures on the morning of SOPA will be distributed to the media over the weekend.

Further Information

Information about the State of the Province will be made available on Gauteng Legislature and Gauteng Government online platforms. Visit:

Webgpl.gov.zagautengonline.gov.za
FacebookGauteng Provincial LegislatureGauteng Provincial Government
Twitter@gplegislature@GautengProvince

Should you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact:

Thebe Khumalo (GPL):         072 341 5921

Pfano Bulasigobo (GPL):      060 533 1982

Sibongile Baloyi (GPG):        066 484 9272

Mohlalefi Lebotha (GPG):     082 852 0502

Thabisile Nzuke (GPL):         082 619 4411

Further information

For more information, please visit out online platforms:

Websites: www.gpl.gov.za and www.gautengonline.gov.za 

Facebook: Gauteng Provincial Legislature and Gauteng Provincial Government 

Twitter: @gplegislature and @GautengProvince

Media Networking Session

Media practitioners are invited to a special Media Networking session where Speaker will be giving background to the 2022 State of the Province Address and discussing plans for the proceedings. The session will create an opportunity to strengthen working relations ahead of a busy and exciting year.

Date: Thursday, 17 February 2022
Time: 18:30
Venue: Brixton Multipurpose Centre (map)
Please click the link below to RSVP for the Media Networking Session.

Registration has now closed