Key Gov't Websites Knocked Out Ahead Of SONA

Key national government websites went offline the day before President Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled to deliver his State of the Nation Address due to "infrastructure damage," News24 reports.

• The parliament website appears to have been restored but the website of South African presidency remains inaccessible.
• The State Information Technology Agency told News24 that "the [damaged] infrastructure was in the vicinity of incidents of unrest."
• However, officials have so far been "unable to draw a direct link between the damage and the protest."
• Earlier this week, local media reported that parliament has set aside ZAR8mn to deal with logistical issues surrounding the SONA and other upcoming events.
• Parliament has also agreed with Eskom and the City of Cape Town to "minimise" load-shedding in critical spots during the SONA to allow for smooth proceedings.