The first sitting of the National Assembly of the seventh Parliament was successfully held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre yesterday.

During the sitting, Members of Parliament (MP) were sworn in, and a new speaker, deputy speaker, and president were elected.

Chief Justice Raymond Zondo oversaw the inauguration of hundreds of MPs, and said the first session of Parliament after last month’s National and Provincial Elections is a significant milestone for the people of South Africa.

“We get an opportunity to look back on the road we have travelled and see where we have made mistakes, and see where we have done well and make sure that in the fourth decade of our democracy, we will not repeat those mistakes,” he told the House.

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The outgoing Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, and ANC member, Thoko Didiza, secured the position of speaker after obtaining 284 votes, beating her opponent Veronica Mente from the EFF, who received 49 votes. Didiza pledged to ensure that Parliamentary discussions adhere to the rule of law and are conducted impartially.

She then presided over the election of her deputy. African Transformation Movement leader Vuyolwethu Zungula went up against the DA’s Dr Annelie Lotriet, who won after receiving 273 votes. Zungula had 54 votes.

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Thereafter, ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa and EFF leader Julius Malema were nominated as president to lead the seventh democratic administration. Ramaphosa received 283 votes, while Malema got 44 votes.

In his acceptance address, Ramaphosa expressed that he was ‘humbled and honoured’ to be entrusted with the duties of the office.

“It is with pleasure that I accept [the re-election]. It will once again be a privilege and pleasure to serve this great nation in the position of president. I wish to thank all leaders for their congratulatory messages.

“Your messages are a clear clarion call for working together, and they constitute what I see as a well of encouragement, good advice and wisdom,” Ramaphosa said.

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What happens next

The first sitting of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) is expected to be held today, at the same venue of the National Assembly.

“The chief justice will swear in and administer the prescribed affirmation to members of the NCOP and thereafter preside over the election of the chairperson of the NCOP. Thereafter, the chairperson of the NCOP will preside over the election of the deputy chairperson of the NCOP,” reads a statement, published by Zondo earlier this week.

Parliament secretary Xolile George has confirmed that the Constitution mandates that once elected as president by the National Assembly, the president-elect must assume office within five days by taking an oath or affirming their loyalty to the Republic and adherence to the Constitution.

George said MPs will next attend the inauguration of the president-elect, scheduled for Wednesday in Pretoria.