South Africa’s new Members of Parliament for the 7th Parliament were sworn in on Friday, with Chief Justice Raymond Zondo presiding over the ceremony and calling on the legislators to learn from past mistakes to improve the country’s democracy.
Hundreds of MPs took their oaths or made affirmations at the Cape Town International Convention Centre during the first sitting of the National Assembly following last month’s general elections.
In his address, Chief Justice Zondo described the inaugural parliamentary session as “an important milestone” that provided an opportunity to reflect on South Africa’s path since the end of apartheid.
“We get an opportunity to look back on the road we have travelled and see where we have made mistakes, and see where we have done well and make sure that in the fourth decade of our democracy, we will not repeat those mistakes,” Zondo told the MPs.
The Chief Justice congratulated the newly sworn-in legislators, while underscoring the significant responsibilities they hold as lawmakers “who make laws for our country and in that way, shape the future of our democracy.”
Zondo stressed the solemn nature of the oath of office, which binds MPs to being “faithful to the Republic of South Africa” and to “obey, respect and uphold the Constitution and all other laws.”
After the swearing-in, the National Assembly proceeded to elect a new Speaker to lead parliamentary proceedings over the next five years. Two nominations were put forward, with the elected Speaker then overseeing the election of a Deputy Speaker.
The members of Parliament will also elect the President.
The ceremonial start to the 7th Parliament comes just weeks after general elections delivered a damningindictment on South Africa’s government with voters venting frustrations over a stagnant economy, high unemployment, electricity blackouts and lingering corruption allegations.
The make-up of the new National Assembly reflects electoralegains for opposition parties at the expense of the ruling African National Congress (ANC), which still retains a parliamentary majority but with a reduced share of seats.
