Pretoria - The country’s 400 new Members of Parliament have been sworn in by Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng.
The Chief Justice presided over the swearing in ceremony of the members representing 13 political parties, who won seats in the May 7 General Elections.
In batches of 10, the new MPs made an oath and affirmed faithfulness to the Republic and obedience to the Constitution.
The first group included President Jacob Zuma, Cyril Ramaphosa, Malusi Gigaba, Naledi Pandor, Jeff Radebe, Fikile Mbalula, Blade Nzimande, Bathabile Dlamini, Lindiwe Sisulu and Collins Chabane.
Fashion was also the order of the day - from tailor made suits to berets, maid's outfits and overalls.
Approximately 42 percent of the new MPs are women. In terms of age, the oldest is 85-years-old and the youngest 22-years-old. The average age of the representatives is 50.
The session will see the National Assembly elect the new President of the country and the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the legislature.
African National Congress (ANC) Chairperson Baleka Mbete and Democratic Alliance’s Nosimo Bhalendlela are contesting the Speaker of Parliament position.
Since there was more than one nomination - the floor of the National Assembly has turned into a voting station, complete with booths, ballot boxes and a secret ballot. – SAnews.gov.za
