“The list of the party has been certified. I am on that list. You are expected as a member on the list to be sworn in, that is why I am here today (June 26, 2024),” adds Kodwa.
Corruption-accused and former Sports, Arts and Culture minister Zizi Kodwa has been sworn in as member of Parliament for the African National Congress (ANC).
Fifty-eight members of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party have also been sworn in, after not attending the ceremony on June 14.
They had informed parliament that they would not be available to be sworn in with other elected members just over a week ago.
At the time, the party had indicated that it was challenging the outcomes of the May 29 election.
The MK party missed the group swearing-in ceremony that Parliament had on June 14 and 15.
In order to serve as members of Parliament, they must swear or affirm faithfulness to the Republic and obedience to the Constitution.
In the run-up to the elections, one of the party leaders and founders, President Jacob Zuma, had indicated that they would change the Constitution if elected into power.
The party has in the meantime indicated that the impeached former judge, John Hlophe, will be its leader in Parliament.
In the African National Congress (ANC) benches, corruption accused Zizi Kodwa, will reportedly be sworn in as well.
It is unclear if the step-aside rule will be applied to Kodwa as an MP.
Opening of Parliament
As the country awaits the announcement of Cabinet by President Cyril Ramaphosa, Parliament says its presiding officers will consult Ramaphosa on the date of the opening of Parliament.
The joint sitting will be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre at a date yet to be determined.
Parliament will also hold various sittings this week to establish some of its structures for the seventh administration.
The rules committees of both the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces will meet on Wednesday.
VIDEO: MK Party members to be sworn in on Tuesday:
Steenhuisen made the announcement on the sidelines of the first sitting of the National Assembly. He says this is a momentous day for the country.
“After two weeks of negotiations that only concluded after the sitting started, the DA reached agreement on statement of intent for GNU, following signing by leaders, DA, IFP and ANC. DA will enter national and provincial government in provinces of GP and KZN.”
Steenhuisen says GNU’s presidential candidate will come from the largest party inside the grouping.
“The GNU’s presidential candidate will come from the largest party inside the grouping, being President Cyril Ramaphosa. Following his election today, President Ramaphosa will then exercise his prerogative to appoint his new Cabinet from among the members of the GNU, in…
“The basic minimum programme contained in the statement, also commits the GNU to a path of fundamental reform that reflects many of the key pledges contained in the election manifesto of the DA and other parties.” – @jsteenhuisen#RescueSA#7thParliament
Steenhuisen adds that problems like unemployment, crime and corruption will not be solved overnight. He says voters should bear in mind that the challenges facing the country will take many years of hard work.
“South Africa has the highest unemployment rate in the world, one of the highest crime rates in the world, logistics and infrastructure is in an advanced state of decline and corruption is endemic. None of us should expect these problems to be solved overnight. It will take years of sustained hard work, perseverance, maturity and cooperation across all sectors of society to get our country back on track.”
