Date set for first parliament sitting

 ·10 Jun 2024

Chief Justice Raymond Zondo has determined that the first sitting of the newly-elected parliament will be on Friday, June 14th.

The first sitting of the seventh democratic administration will see the President, Speaker and Deputy Speaker elected.

Zondo also declared that Saturday, June 15, will be the first sitting of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), during which the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson will be elected.

The Electoral Commission (IEC) handed over the list of designated members of parliament and members of the provincial legislatures to the Chief Justice last week.

The Constitution states that the first sitting of parliament must occur within the first 14 days after the election results have been declared, which occurred on Sunday, 2 June.

The sitting will be the first time that the African National Congress (ANC) does not have a majority in parliament, having its support drop to 40%.

The party suffered widespread losses to the uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) Party, which is led by former ANC and South African President Jacob Zuma.

Graphic: Seth Thorne
Graphic: Seth Thorne

After the MK Party said it would boycott the sitting because it was dissatisfied with the results, Parliament CEO Xolile George cancelled the flights and accommodation for the MK MPs to prevent fruitless expenditure.

In terms of provinces and the NCOP, the judges-presidents in their respective provinces will determine the first sittings of the Provincial Legislatures.

These will also need to take place within 14 days of the election being announced and will see the Speaker and Premier elected.


Read: The man who could hold KwaZulu-Natal’s fate in his hands

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