Pretoria - Several major streets near Parliament, including the route President Jacob Zuma will take, will be closed as of today as Cape Town gears up for the State of the Nation Address (SONA) to be delivered on Thursday.

Traffic is likely to be worse than during previous SONAs as this year's event will be held in the evening. The public is advised to take note of the following road closures between 4.30pm and 10pm on Thursday:

o o Strand Street: from Russell Street to Long Street;
o o Adderley Street: from Hans Strijdom Avenue to Wale Street;
o o Heerengracht: between Coen Steytler and Hans Strijdom avenues;
o o Bureau Street: between Adderley and Parliament Street and
o o Spin Street: between Corporation and Parliament Street.

"Motorists are advised to avoid these roads as well as roads leading to the processional route between 16.30 and 10pm," a statement by the city council said. - BuaNews

Pretoria - President Jacob is highly impressed by high school pupils' interest in this year's State of the Nation Address (SONA), the Presidency said on Monday.

Government Communications (GCIS), the Department of Basic Education and Sanlam have been running a national schools debate on the SONA themed: "Young people can play a key role in reducing poverty and building a better South Africa".

To date, 266 learners from 30 districts have participated with over 30 events having been completed. The national competition and finals will take place in Cape Town during the SONA week during which the finalists will meet the President on 10 February.

The pupils' interest has impressed the president and government so much so that Thursday's SONA has been organised with young people in mind.

By Gabi Khumalo

Pretoria - All host cities will be more than ready to deliver the best health services during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, preliminary reports suggest.

On Monday, the Western Cape reported that Emergency Medical Service (EMS) planning was completed.

"All medical equipment and vehicles have been delivered; the hospital planning has been done and all nine hospitals have been part of the disaster exercises and test events have been completed," said provincial EMS deputy director, Dr Wayne Smith.

Eastern Cape's 2010 co-ordinator Mbulelo Fani said "it was just a question of consolidating what we already have and putting all resources together".

Fani said the province was on track with a new trauma unit expected to be completed and handed over by the end of May.

"Staff have been appointed, including doctors and nurses. If the need arises, we will take the resources to the districts, but we don't foresee any problems," he said.

Pretoria - The Department of Health is finalising plans to deliver efficient health services during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

"By this time, all arrangements and installations should be in place and if there aren't we will look for alternatives to deliver the equipment," said Deputy Health Minister Molefi Sefularo.

Sefularo said the last days before the tournament were critical. They will be used to verify and confirm processes as well as conduct routine work to ensure the public health system, including military health services, is fully ready to provide services.

The minister is currently attending a two-day National Health Workshop in Pretoria where various health bodies are assessing whether the country is ready to provide a comprehensive health and medical response for the duration of the tournament.