What Parliament's 'Serjeant-at-Arms' does to earn over R2m/year

Lester Kiewit speaks to Regina Mahlomi, Parliament's former (and first female) Serjeant-at-Arms.

Mahlomi was Serjeant-at-Arms for eight years before retiring from her post in 2019.

A 'Serjeant-at-Arms' in the South African Parliament earns just over R2 million per year and leads the President and the Presiding Officers to their seats and proceeds to place the mace and the black rod in place before the Speaker and the Chairperson, respectively.

The role is both managerial and ceremonial, explains Mahlomi.

"It's not a role of a police or military person. It's a role of an administration in South Africa's national assembly. The role is half procedural and a business role. So, you would be like a managing director of a small company. You look after the budget, strategic plan and reporting that's submitted by Parliament as well as maintaining strict decorum in the house during Parliamentary procedures."

- Regina Mahlomi, Former Serjeant-at Arms - South African Parliament

Mahlomi adds that 'sergeant' comes from servant meaning you are a 'servant of the house' so you have to ensure order.

Also part of the responsibility is to remove members of parliament causing disruptions while maintaining professionalism. You may never show irritation or annoyance with members who might be causing chaos, says Mahlomi. 

"A person must be humble enough to know that you are a servant and not to be shy or ashamed to denote yourself as a servant of the house."

- Regina Mahlomi, Former Serjeant-at-Arms - South African Parliament

Requirements for the role include but are not limited to:

• Post-graduate degree in Political Studies/Public Administration/Law/Public Management or related qualification at an NQF level 8
• 8 years of relevant experience
• Excellent communication, writing, planning, organising, admirative, computer literacy, tact, diplomacy and reporting skills
• Strong leadership and management skills
• Ability to work irregular hours
• High level of integrity and credibility skills
• Excellent knowledge of Parliamentary decorum and protocol.

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the full conversation.