Parliament has decided when the National Assembly (NA) and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) will start their meetings. Chief Justice Raymond Zondo confirmed these dates on Monday.
“The Chief Justice said the first meetings of the Houses of Parliament will happen on 14 and 15 June. He wrote a letter to Parliament’s Secretary, Xolile George, to confirm this,” said Parliamentary spokesperson Moloto Mothapo.
According to the Constitution, the National Assembly’s first meeting must happen within 14 days after the election results are declared. During this first meeting, the Chief Justice will swear in the chosen members and make them promise to be faithful to the country and follow the Constitution.
“After the members take their oath, the Chief Justice will oversee the election of the NA Speaker. Then, the Speaker will oversee the election of the Deputy Speaker,” Mothapo explained.
Once the Deputy Speaker is elected, the Chief Justice will oversee the election of the President.
On 15 June, in the National Council of Provinces, the Chief Justice will swear in the members and oversee the election of the NCOP Chairperson. Then, the Chairperson will oversee the election of the NCOP Deputy Chairperson.
The rules for these meetings were announced by the Chief Justice’s Office on 30 May 2024.
These meetings will happen at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
