Johnathan Paoli
THE Secretary to Parliament, Xolile George has announced that preparations ahead of the first sitting are proceeding smoothly, and despite challenges and an increased budget, the country’s two legislative bodies were ready for the swearing-in of members and the appointment of the executive, he said.
George, joined by the Secretary to the National Assembly, Masibulele Xaso, held a media briefing on Thursday outlining the preparations to host the first sittings of the two Houses of Parliament, the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces, scheduled for 14 and 15 June, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).
George said over the past months, the administration of Parliament has undertaken extensive preparatory work to ensure a seamless transition.
“This has been a pivotal moment for us as a nation, involving a delicate constitutional process that has not been without its challenges,” he said.
The secretary said Chief Justice Raymond Zondo has complied with his constitutional obligations and ensured the holding of the first sittings within the prescribed 14-day period as mandated by the constitution.
The secretary said that as of yesterday, 12 June, the CTICC has been officially handed over to Parliament and declared the precinct; consequently, all the provisions of the Powers and Privileges of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act apply to this venue, ensuring that parliamentary procedures and security measures are fully upheld.
George said the CTICC was selected due to its capacity to comfortably accommodate the approximately 400 MPs along with guests, and the venue’s facilities are well-suited to meet the specific space requirements necessary for the voting procedures.
R58 million has been budgeted for the establishment of the 7th Parliament, and George has defended the increase in budget saying they had to pay rent for the CTICC as a venue to host the proceedings after Parliament was destroyed by fire a few years ago.
Since receiving the list of candidates from the Chief Justice, parliament has been interfacing with the elected members and their respective parties in order to capture their details into the parliamentary system and make logistical arrangements for their travel and accommodation, said George.
The first sitting of the NCOP will take place on Saturday, with Justice Zondo presiding over the swearing of all permanent delegates.
This would follow the first sittings of the provincial legislatures which elect the permanent and non-permanent delegates to the NCOP.
After presiding over the swearing-in of the 54 permanent delegates, the chairperson of the council would be elected, and take over proceedings and oversee the election of one permanent deputy chair, and a second deputy chair on a one-year rotational basis.
On the first sitting of the NA, George confirmed that following the swearing-in ceremony, the Chief Justice will preside over the election of the Speaker, who subsequently takes over the proceedings and preside over the election of the Deputy Speaker.
“These elections are crucial for the proper constitution of the National Assembly, as they ensure the leadership structure is in place to guide the house’s functions and duties,” George said.
Following the above procedures, the NA would be constitutionally competent to proceed with the election, from among the MPs, of the President of the Republic, and that once elected, the individual would cease to be a member.
George said for the ceremony, members will be called in groups of 10 and provided with a form containing the wording of the oath or affirmation in the official language of their choice.
He said in accordance with the law, political parties may supplement or fill any vacancies that may occur on their candidates’ list prior to the swearing-in, and that indications for 20 members have been received.
Parties who have applied for changes include: the Umkhonto weSizwe party (7 members), Economic Freedom Fighters (10 members), ActionSA (1 member), Democratic Alliance (1 member) and the United Democratic Movement (1 member).
George confirmed that all necessary voting infrastructure has been meticulously prepared to ensure a smooth and secure election process; including the setup of voting booths for privacy, the provision of ballot boxes for the collection of votes, the preparation of the voters roll and the provision of safety boxes for secure safekeeping of ballot papers.
“These measures have been put in place to maintain the integrity and confidentiality of the voting process, ensuring that every vote is properly accounted for and securely stored,” he said.
He also confirmed that the Presiding Officer (PO) will announce the names of the candidates who have been nominated, without allowing any debate.
If only one candidate is nominated, the PO will declare that candidate elected, but if more than one candidate is named, a vote will be conducted by secret ballot.
If no candidate secures a majority of the votes, an elimination procedure is initiated, with the candidate with the fewest votes being eliminated and another round of voting takes place until a candidate receives a majority.
George indicated that once the President has assumed office and appointed his cabinet, he or she must convene a joint sitting of the newly established two houses in order to deliver the Opening of Parliament address (OPA).
“The OPA underscores the importance of collaboration between the executive and the legislature in addressing national issues and promoting socio-economic development and reflects the president’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and effective governance,” he said.
In conclusion, George highlighted that Parliament has organised a comprehensive induction, onboarding programme as well as providing homes, offices and tools of trade to ensure they are fully equipped to perform their duties.
So far, around 180 – 200 members are currently being orientated and registering as MPs at the CTICC, with 54 members of the NCOP expected to be sworn in on Saturday.
Members of both houses are currently going through induction in order to familiarise them with the rules of parliament.
George expressed his gratitude to key stakeholders including the office of the chief justice, the Electoral Commission, governmental departments and the city of Cape Town and said their collaboration and support has been invaluable in ensuring readiness ahead of the historic sessions.
“Our comprehensive preparations ensure that every aspect of these inaugural sessions, from logistical arrangements to security measures, have been meticulously planned and implemented. We are confident that the proceedings will unfold smoothly and effectively, marking the successful commencement of the 7th democratic parliament,” he concluded.
He confirmed that following the conclusion of the first sittings of both the NA and the NCOP, the inauguration of the President-elect, is scheduled for 19 June in Pretoria.
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