Seventh Parliament Starts To Set Up Internal Structures For New Term

The seventh Parliament is all set to focus on setting up its internal structures after the Presiding Officers have been elected and the new President has been inaugurated.

The internal structures set up include organizing meetings for the Rules Committees of the National Assembly (NA) and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP).

Parliament emphasized that committees play a crucial role in examining government activities, facilitating discussions, and ensuring transparency and responsibility. It said that these committees will establish the structures necessary for the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces to function.

"They also decide on the constitution of the two Houses' respective committees, the formula for whips, speaking time during debates, and the number of Members that will serve on a committee," the parliament said, SA News reported.

It added, "Whips are important figures in the parliamentary system as they are responsible for discipline within the political parties and ensuring that Members attend and participate in parliamentary sessions."

The supreme legislative body of South Africa explained that the formula for whips is a strategic determination that influences the dynamics of parliamentary proceedings, noting that the setting of speaking times is crucial for maintaining order and decorum in the Houses so that the discussions are productive.

Forming the oversight committees follows the President's assignment of Cabinet roles with each committee overseeing a specific government department.

President Cyril Ramaphosa alongside the Speaker of the National Assembly Thoko Didiza and the Chairperson of the NCOP Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane will announce the date for the Opening of Parliament Address (OPA).

The OPA is an important event where both Houses of Parliament meet jointly to officially start the seventh Parliament. Unlike the annual State of the Nation Address held in February, the OPA happens once every five years after elections.

The event serves as a platform to mark the beginning of the new parliamentary term.

The joint session for the Opening of Parliament Address will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) due to ongoing construction. The CTICC was selected as it can accommodate large gatherings and is close to the Parliament area.

The newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs) will participate in a structured orientation program from July 2 to July 5 to introduce them to their new roles.