Madam Speaker retakes the gavel, JZ elected unopposed for second term

Today, 21 May, marked the first sitting of the Fifth democratic Parliament with the National Assembly meeting to swear in Members of Parliament (MP), choose a Speaker and Deputy Speaker and formally elect the President of the Republic.

Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng called upon all 400 NA MPs, 10 at a time, who took an oath and swore faithfulness to their country.

There were cheers as Members raised their rights hands and took the oath or affirmation. Onlookers in the National Assembly gallery cheered as MPs, new and returning, stood facing the Chief Justice pledging their loyalty to the people of South Africa. However, there were noticeably more animated reactions when certain MPs came forward. The chamber erupted into applause when new DA MP Mmusi Maimani stood up, and when President Zuma took his oath. However, throaty chuckles could be heard from fellow Members and onlookers when EFF leader Julius Malema took his oath. Malema stood beside other EFF members, who were unmissable in red – the men were dressed as miners (they wore hard hats, overalls and gumboots) and the women as cleaners.

Once all MPs were sworn in, Chief Justice Mogoeng called for nominations for Speaker of the National Assembly. As predicted, the ANC nominated Baleke Mbete, a former Speaker of National Assembly. However, the election process was delayed when the DA’s Annette Steyn nominated former its member Nosimo Balindlela for the position. In a statement released later, the DA argued that it had challenged the nomination because it believed that Baleka Mbete would undermine the independence of Parliament and that her appointment would allow Luthuli House to prevent Parliament from fully holding the executive accountable.

Ballot boxes set up in the chamber for election of Speaker in the NA

After a lengthy recess where ballot papers and boxes were prepared and set up in the Chamber, MPs made their vote. Mbete was elected as the new Speaker of the National Assembly receiving 260 out of a possible 400 votes, while Balindlela received 88 votes. The EFF declined to vote and 18 ballots were seen to be invalid.

Lechesa Tsenoli was elected, unopposed, as Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly.

When it came to nominations for the President of South Africa, ANC stalwart Rosalia Morutoa nominated Jacob Zuma, seconded by former Johannesburg mayor Amos Mosondo. However, the DA’s James Selfe objected to this stating that Zuma “is not a fit and proper person” to serve as president. The Chamber once again erupted with applause as the ANC’s Naledi Pandor called Selfe’s objection “frivolous” and told him to read the Constitution, which allows the House to elect a President from the MPs who were just sworn in. Chief Justice Mogoeng dismissed the objection and cited that according to Section 86 of the Constitution anyone in the National Assembly is eligible for election as president.

With no other nominations, Zuma was re-elected as President of South Africa for a second term and ceased to be a Member of the National Assembly. His inauguration will be held on Saturday, 24 May at the Union Buildings.