First sitting of Parliament set to go ahead despite several attempts to halt proceedings

CAPE TOWN - After several attempts to stop the first sitting of Parliament, the convening of the seventh democratic National Assembly is set to go ahead on Friday. 

The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, African Transportation Movement (ATM) and non-profit organisation, Hola Bon Renaissance, are just a few who have approached the courts to try and stop Friday’s proceedings. 

Due to the parliamentary building still under repairs, Friday’s first sitting will be taking place at the Cape Town Conventional Centre (CTICC). 

The most significant part of the day will be the election of a new state president of South Africa. 

Eyewitness News understands that the African National Congress (ANC)'s Cyril Ramaphosa will likely return for a second term as the country’s number one citizen.

This follows the ANC finding consensus with a majority of the represented parties to join its government of national unity. 

However before that, elected members of the National Assembly will have to be formally sworn-in as members of Parliament by the Chief Justice, Raymond Zondo. 

As expected, there is a high police and military presence in and around the convention centre to ensure Friday's events run smoothly.