Gauteng swearing-in ceremony gets underway after delay

JOHANNESBURG - The swearing-in of the seventh provincial administration in the Gauteng legislature has begun after more than an hour delay.

It's understood that the delays were caused by the African National Congress (ANC)'s late arrival, as the party was engaged in a last-minute caucus meeting.

Gauteng Judge President Dunstan Mlambo is presiding over the legislature’s first sitting on Friday afternoon.

Proceedings at the Gauteng legislature have officially started, with ANC provincial chairperson, Panyaza Lesufi, being the first to take his oath.

The swearing-in process will be followed by the election of a premier and other office bearers.

It's understood the ANC and Democratic Alliance (DA) finally reached an agreement at the eleventh hour, which will likely have an influence on the outcomes of the election of presiding officers.

ANC Gauteng secretary, TK Nciza, said he was now confident that Lesufi would retain his position as premier. 

ANC members were in a jovial mood despite losing their electoral majority in the legislature.