MK Party to take up mantle as official opposition during OPA

CAPE TOWN - The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party will take up its place as the official opposition for the first time when the Opening of Parliament Address gets underway on Thursday evening.

Parliament's rules committee decided on Wednesday that, after some lengthy considerations, the MK Party will take up its place as the opposition. 

Parliament spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo, said that the matter had been confirmed ahead of the joint sitting. 

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It's now all systems go for Parliament's opening, with just a few hours before the red carpet is rolled out for members of Parliament and dignitaries.

But once inside the chamber, the Jacob Zuma-led MK Party will then position itself as the official opposition for the first time, now that the Democratic Alliance (DA) is in government. 

"Given the composition of our government and establishment of GNU [Government of National Unity], where several parties are participating in the executive, it means that the official opposition now, the role is then designated to the MK party,"  Mothapo said.

At the same time, Mothapo said while the weather may limit activities, there would be performances and a showcase of the traditions of the military.