By Phenyo Selinda
With the election of the Presiding Officers and the inauguration of the new President behind us, the seventh Parliament of South Africa is set to concentrate on forming the internal structures essential for its efficient operation.
Establishing Internal Parliamentary Structures
In the coming days, the focus will be on the meetings of the Rules Committees of the National Assembly (NA) and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP).
“These committees will establish the necessary structures for both Houses to function efficiently,” Parliament noted. “They will decide on the constitution of the two Houses’ respective committees, the formula for whips, speaking time during debates, and the number of Members on each committee.”
The roles of whips are particularly significant, as they maintain discipline within political parties and ensure members’ active participation in parliamentary sessions. The formula for whips strategically impacts parliamentary dynamics, while the allocation of speaking times maintains order and ensures productive debate sessions.
Constituting the oversight committees will align with the Cabinet portfolios designated by the President. These committees play a pivotal role in scrutinising government activities, stimulating debate, and enforcing accountability.
Key Dates and Ceremonies
Parliament has confirmed that President Cyril Ramaphosa, in consultation with the Speaker of the National Assembly Thoko Didiza and the Chairperson of the NCOP Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane, will set the date for the Opening of Parliament Address (OPA).
“The OPA is a crucial ceremony signifying the official start of the seventh Parliament. Unlike the annual State of the Nation Address, the OPA occurs every five years post-elections to unveil the new administration’s plans,” Parliament elaborated.
Scheduled to take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), the venue has been selected for its capacity and proximity to the Parliament precinct amidst ongoing construction.
Parliamentary Programme
Once the structures of both Houses are in place, the Joint Programming Committee will meet to outline the parliamentary programme.
“The Joint Programming Committee is vital in planning a productive legislative session. It will draft the programme for the first term of the new Parliament, ensuring a structured approach to legislative and oversight duties,” Parliament said.
Orientation for New MPs
Newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs) will participate in an orientation programme from 2 July to 5 July. This induction will cover the core business of Parliament, roles and responsibilities, ethics, rules guiding operations, and more.
Upcoming Meetings and Activities
- Wednesday: Both Houses will conduct Rules Committee meetings—NCOP’s at 10:00 and NA’s at 15:00.
- Thursday: At 14:00, the NCOP will hold a hybrid plenary to elect office bearers, including Permanent and Rotating Deputy Chairpersons, various House Chairpersons, as well as electing NCOP Permanent Delegates to the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) and designating members for the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum, Judicial Services Commission, and the Political Office-Bearers Pension Fund Trustee. They will also deliberate on the revival of the Appropriations Bill. The NCOP Programming Committee will convene at 08:30.
- Friday: The NA will hold its programming meeting at 10:00.
Additionally, the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) will convene its first of two annual Plenary Sessions from 24 June to 5 July 2024 at the PAP precinct in Midrand to discuss, among other things, the institution’s budget to ensure it functions optimally.
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