This week, the Secretary to Parliament, Mr Xolile George, received the designated list of new Members of the National Assembly during a formal handover ceremony at the Constitutional Court. With Chief Justice Raymond Zondo handing the list to the Secretary, Parliament is closer to establishing the Seventh Parliament.
The list handover followed the Independent Electoral Commission’s (IEC) declaration of the National and Provincial Elections results last week. It is an established practice in South Africa that, following the announcement of the results, the IEC hands over the lists of Members of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures to the Chief Justice, who then hands them over to the Secretary to Parliament.
Receiving the list, Mr George expressed his gratitude and appreciation of the Chief Justice’s efforts in ensuring that the transfer of power is seamless. “Your steadfast leadership and unwavering commitment have ensured the swift and timely handover of the lists of designated National Assembly members. Your office has managed this delicate constitutional process with precision and integrity, arranging this significant occasion seamlessly. Your dedication to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the smooth transition of power is commendable. Thank you for your exemplary dedication and for steering this process with such diligence and respect for our democratic principles,” Mr George said.
Citing some statistics, Mr George noted the drop in female representation in the National Assembly of the Seventh Parliament compared to the sixth parliamentary term. “While the list that we are receiving today might still change at some stage consistent with our laws and procedures, our initial assessment indicates that in this list, female representation experienced a slight decline, dropping from 45% in 2019 to approximately 43.5%, with a total of 174 elected members who are women. Despite this decrease, the National Assembly remains dedicated to advancing gender parity and continues to be a significant player on the global stage for its efforts in promoting women's representation in politics,” Mr George stressed.
He also assured attendees that all administrative processes are in place to support the new Members of Parliament to do their work. Mr George said that once the Chief Justice has determined the date of the first sitting of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Parliament will activate all necessary arrangements. This includes ensuring that elected members are received from various parts of the country, onboarded efficiently, their details are captured accurately, and they are adequately prepared for the first sittings. This comprehensive onboarding process includes orientation sessions to familiarise new members with parliamentary procedures, protocols, and their roles and responsibilities.
“We have a well-coordinated plan in place to facilitate the smooth transition of new members into their parliamentary roles. This includes logistical arrangements to accommodate members traveling from distant regions, providing them with the necessary resources and support to hit the ground running. Our goal is to ensure that every member is equipped to contribute effectively from the outset, embodying the trust and mandate bestowed on them by the electorate,” Mr George said.
According to the list presented to the Secretary, Parliament can expect a younger cohort of members, with some as young as 20 and the eldest 79. Mr Mosotho Moepya, chairperson of the IEC, said there are 12 members between the ages of 20 and 29, 67 members between the ages of 30 and 39, and 110 between 40 and 49.
The Chief Justice also assured attendees that the judiciary is ready to implement its constitutional role in establishing the new National Assembly and Provincial Legislatures. “I am happy to announce that the rules that will govern the first sittings of the National Assembly and Provincial Legislatures are in place. Secondly, I have designated Judges Presidents of various divisions to preside over the first sittings. We stand ready to deliver on our mandate as the judiciary,” he said.
Chief Justice Zondo also stressed that the judiciary is ready to adjudicate any matter that might be brought before the court based on objections raised during the elections. Justice Zondo also confirmed that the date of the first sitting would be announced “soon”.
The first sitting of both Houses will be at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). “I assure you and all South Africans, that we are fully prepared to meet the challenges and responsibilities that lie ahead. Our commitment is to uphold the values of our democracy, to serve the people of South Africa with dedication, and to ensure that their electoral choices are voiced in their Parliament for the next five years, said Mr George. “Together, we will build a Parliament that truly represents the voices and choices of the people of South Africa, driving forward our collective aspirations for a prosperous and just future.”
By Malatswa Molepo
07 June 2024
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