Pretoria - A joint sitting of the two Houses of Parliament -- the National Assembly (NA) and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) -- will be held today at 2pm to honour and commemorate former President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.
Madiba passed on peacefully at his home last night in the presence of his family.
Parliament, which is currently in recess, was due to reconvene in the new year. In terms of the Rules of Parliament, the Speaker of the NA and Chairperson of the NCOP, acting jointly, may call a joint sitting of the Houses when necessary.
“The passing of an iconic world statesman, a political, moral and intellectual colossus of Madiba’s stature more than justifies the convening of a special sitting of Parliament, even during recess,” the Presiding Officers said.
Additional spaces have been identified in Parliament to accommodate members of the public who want to be part of this extraordinary session. Seating in the National Assembly is limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Books of condolences will be opened at various venues within the precinct and all flags within Parliament are flying at half-mast. This arrangement will remain in place until after the funeral, December 15.
Various spaces will be designated to enable members of the public to show their last respects for the duration of the mourning period and a special exhibition will be mounted across Parliament.
Special telephone lines 021 403 2502/2621/2833 have been activated to assist members of the public who need information regarding arrangements about Madiba’s funeral.
Parliament will be working closely with other role players, including the Government, the African National Congress, the City of Cape Town and civil society organisations, to ensure co-ordination and co-operation in the rolling out of the various commemorative programmes. – SAnews.gov.za
