This is in line with a statement issued by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo’s office.
On May 29, South Africans went to the polls in the most closely contested national elections since democracy’s inception.
The Chief Justice is authorized by Section 51(1) of the Constitution to convene the National Assembly’s first meeting following national elections.
“The Chief Justice will administer the prescribed oath or affirmation, as the case may be, to members of the National Assembly during the first sitting of Parliament.
Before they can carry out their responsibilities as members of the National Assembly, members of the National Assembly are required by section 48 of the Constitution to swear an oath or affirmation of devotion to the Republic and obedience to the Constitution.
The election of the National Assembly Speaker by the members will take place before this.
“After being elected, the Speaker of the National Assembly will oversee the selection of the Deputy Speaker. The Chief Justice would assume leadership once more and oversee the election of the President following the election of the Deputy Speaker, the office clarified.
It is anticipated that the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) will convene for its inaugural session on Saturday.
The Chief Justice will oversee the election of the NCOP Chairperson after presiding over the NCOP members’ swearing-in and administering of the required affirmation. The election of the NCOP’s deputy chairperson will then be overseen by the NCOP chairperson, according to the announcement.
The Chief Justice has assigned Judges-President in each province to “determine the first sittings of the Provincial Legislatures in their respective provinces,” according to the office.
According to the Constitution, these meetings must likewise happen no later than 14 days following the announcement of the election results. The announcement stated that the Judges-President will oversee the election of the Premier and Speaker of the Legislature, as well as administer the required oath of affirmation to members of the Provincial Legislatures.
The Cape Town International Convention Center will host the National Assembly and NCOP sessions.
