Babalo Ndenze11 June 2024 | 4:32

Parliament to ensure that 'established democratic processes' upheld at first National Assembly sitting

Parliament will hold the sitting at the CTICC for the first time ever after conducting most of its serious business at the Cape Town City Hall since the Parliament fire.

Parliament to ensure that 'established democratic processes' upheld at first National Assembly sitting

President Cyril Ramaphosa replied to oral questions from Members of the National Assembly at the Good Hope Chamber in Parliament, Cape Town on 19 March 2024. Picture: @PresidencyZA/X

CAPE TOWN - Parliament says it remains dedicated to ensuring that established "democratic processes" are upheld at Friday’s first National Assembly sitting.

It’s also confirmed that they’d cancelled travel arrangements for MK Party MPs who said they would not be attending. 

Chief Justice Raymond Zondo on Monday confirmed that he would oversee the first sitting on Friday within the stipulated 14 days. 

Parliament will hold the sitting at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) for the first time ever after conducting most of its serious business at the Cape Town City Hall since the Parliament fire. 

Parliament spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo, said that unless and until the results of the election were set aside by a court, Parliament must ensure that the sittings of the National Assembly and National Council of Provinces (NCOP) proceed as directed.

"We remain dedicated to ensuring that the established democratic processes and procedures are upheld in accordance with the laws and Constitution of our country."

But the sitting will be without most MK MPs. 

"Parliament has cancelled all arrangements for accommodation and flights for the party's elected members. This measure is to avoid incurring fruitless and wasteful expenditure."

Friday's sitting and the election of the president and presiding officers will be followed by the swearing in of NCOP members on Saturday.