Election of Chairperson

Meeting report

Advocate Anthea Gordon, Registrar of Members’ Interests, facilitated the election of the Co-Chairpersons.

The Committee moved for the adoption of the agenda.

A Committee Member questioned what was meant by ‘’closed meeting’’ because he was aware that there was a Parliamentary Monitoring Group (PMG) Monitor sitting in on the meeting.

Adv Gordon responded that generally the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interest is a closed meeting, but that the procedure that the Committee is following, as in the election of Co-Chairpersons is by itself an open process so there is nothing secret or confidential about the election. The meeting is open only in respect of the election of Co-Chairpersons, but once the Co-Chairpersons have been elected, they will take up their positions as Co-Chairpersons and make a formal announcement that the meeting is closed and anybody who has not taken the oath and who is not entitled to be in the room shall then be excused.

Adv Gordon introduced the election procedure where two Co-Chairpersons would be elected. The committee will first do an election for the Co-Chairperson of the National Assembly (NA), and thereafter proceed with an election for the Co-Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP).

Election of Co-Chairperson for the National Assembly

Two Committee Members voted for and seconded the nomination of Mr B Nkosi (ANC).

Adv Gordon asked Mr Nkosi if he accepted his nomination.

Mr Nkosi accepted his nomination.

Two Committee Members voted for and seconded the nomination of Mr G Cachalia (DA).

Adv Gordon asked Mr Cachalia if he accepted his nomination.

Mr Cachalia accepted his nomination.

No other nominations were made.

Voting

Adv Gordon mentioned that the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests is a Committee established in terms of Joint Rule 121 of the Joint Rules of Parliament. Decisions between the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests are decided by the majority of the Members present. There were 14 Members present.

A Committee Member asked for clarity on the procedure in terms of voting, and questioned if it will only be the Members of Parliament (MPs) from the National Assembly who would vote, or if all MPs would vote.

Adv Gordon responded that all Members of the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests are entitled to vote regardless of whether it is for the National Assembly component or for the NCOP component. The vote will be by a show of hands. All Committee Members are entitled to vote except for persons nominated.

Adv Gordon requested a vote count in respect of Mr Nkosi as Co-Chairperson of the National Assembly component. According to the vote count, ten Committee Members were in favour of Mr Nkosi.

Adv Gordon requested a vote count of all those not in favour of Mr Nkosi.

According to the vote count, there were three votes against Mr Nkosi.

Adv Gordon requested a vote count in respect of Mr Cachalia as Co-Chairperson of the National Assembly Component.

According to the vote count, two Committee Members were in favour of Mr Cachalia.

Adv Gordon requested a vote count of all those not in favour of Mr Cachalia.

According to the vote count, there were 11 votes against Mr Cachalia.

Adv Gordon congratulated Mr Nkosi. By a show of hands Mr Nkosi was elected as the Co-Chairperson on behalf of the National Assembly on the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests.

Election of Co-Chairperson for the National Council of Provinces

Two Committee Members voted for and seconded the nomination of Ms M Moshodi (ANC, Free State).

Adv Gordon asked Ms Moshodi if she accepts her nomination.

Ms Moshodi accepted her nomination.

No other nominations were made.

Adv Gordon mentioned that since there is only one nomination for the Co-Chairperson on behalf of the NCOP there will be no vote. Ms Moshodi was congratulated as Co-Chairperson on behalf of the NCOP.

Discussion

Adv Gordon requested the two Co-Chairpersons on the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests to take their positions.

Ms Moshodi thanked the Committee Members for electing her, she said she is humbled that they have placed their faith and trust in her. She mentioned that she is aware of the obligation attached to her position and as such it is her responsibility that she will not take lightly. She endeavoured to lead the Committee with utmost transparency, honesty and humility.

Mr Nkosi expressed his gratitude for his election as Co-Chairperson. He committed himself to the conduct of Co-Chairperson objectively and with integrity, and with all the dignity required as required by the responsibilities of the position. The Committee plays a particular role in the institution and is bound by the Code of Ethical Conduct, Disclosure of Members’ Interests for the National Assembly and Permanent Council Members to which he will adhere to at all times. He will carry out his responsibility and ensure that the Committee is lead with fairness, equity and equality in all that they did.

The remainder of the meeting was closed.