EWN15 June 2024 | 10:30

IN PICS: Heralding the 7th Parliament

The first sitting of the National Assembly got underway on Friday to elect the President, Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

IN PICS: Heralding the 7th Parliament

The first sitting of Parliament following the May elections will be held at the CTICC in Cape Town on 14 June 2024. Picture: Lindsay Dentlinger/Eyewitness News

JOHANNESBURG - The first sitting of the National Assembly got underway on Friday to elect the President, Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

President Cyril Ramaphosa was re-elected for the second term, while the African National Congress's (ANC)'s Thoko Didiza was elected Speaker.

The position of National Assembly Deputy Speaker was scooped by the Democratic Alliance's (DA)'s Annelie Lotriet.

This paves the way for the Government of National Unity, as agreed by the ANC, DA, and Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP).

Provinces also held their first legislature sittings.

The moment Thoko Didiza (seated in the centre) was announced as the National Assembly Speaker on 14 June 2024. Picture: Supplied/GCIS

The moment Thoko Didiza (seated in the centre) was announced as the National Assembly Speaker on 14 June 2024. Picture: Supplied/GCIS

President Cyril Ramaphosa will be inaugurated on Wednesday 19 June  at the Union Buildings. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa will be inaugurated on Wednesday 19 June at the Union Buildings. 

Patriotic Alliance leader and MP, Gayton McKenzie. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/Eyewitness News

Patriotic Alliance leader and MP, Gayton McKenzie. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/Eyewitness News

Panyaza Lesufi has been re-elected Gauteng premier at the first sitting of the Provincial Legislature sitting. Picture: Jacques Nelles/EWN

Panyaza Lesufi has been re-elected Gauteng premier at the first sitting of the Provincial Legislature sitting. Picture: Jacques Nelles/EWN

Economic Freedom Fighters Leader Julius Malema and EFF MP Marshall Dlamini during the first sitting of the National Assembly on 14 June 2024. Picture: GCIS

Economic Freedom Fighters Leader Julius Malema and EFF MP Marshall Dlamini during the first sitting of the National Assembly on 14 June 2024. Picture: GCIS

Build One South Africa Leader Mmusi Maimane during the first sitting of the National Assembly on 14 June 2024. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/EWN

Build One South Africa Leader Mmusi Maimane during the first sitting of the National Assembly on 14 June 2024. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/EWN

Economic Freedom Fighters Members of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature sworn in during the first sitting of the Gauteng Legislature on 14 June 2024. Picture: Jacques Nelles/EWN

Economic Freedom Fighters Members of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature sworn in during the first sitting of the Gauteng Legislature on 14 June 2024. Picture: Jacques Nelles/EWN

The Democratic Alliance's Annelie Lotriet has been elected Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly during the first sitting of the National Assembly on 14 June 2024. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/EWN

The Democratic Alliance's Annelie Lotriet has been elected Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly during the first sitting of the National Assembly on 14 June 2024. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/EWN

President Cyril Ramaphosa was re-elected for the second term during the first sitting of the National Assembly. Picture: GCIS

President Cyril Ramaphosa was re-elected for the second term during the first sitting of the National Assembly. Picture: GCIS

Economic Freedom Fighters members walking into Gauteng legislature building for the first sitting on 14 June 2024. Picture: Jacques Nelles/ Eyewitness News

Economic Freedom Fighters members walking into Gauteng legislature building for the first sitting on 14 June 2024. Picture: Jacques Nelles/ Eyewitness News