New Members of Parliament Set for Induction Programme in Century City

The induction programme aims to equip MPs with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively fulfil their roles.

Following their swearing-in ceremony last month, the newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs) in South Africa's seventh administration are set to undergo an induction programme starting tomorrow. This programme, announced by Parliament in a statement on Sunday, will run from Tuesday until Friday at the Century City Conference Centre in the Western Cape.

Induction Programme Overview

The induction programme aims to equip MPs with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively fulfil their roles. Key topics covered will include:

Introduction to the core business of Parliament

Roles and responsibilities of Members and Office Bearers

Ethical standards for members

Engaging with civil society

Gender-responsive planning, budgeting, monitoring, and evaluation

Introduction to parliamentary structures and support

This comprehensive induction is designed to ensure that MPs are well-prepared to serve the nation and uphold parliamentary standards.

Members of Parliament were officially sworn in during the first sitting of the National Assembly of the seventh Parliament on Friday, 14 June 2024. Additional MPs took their oaths at a later date, following the National and Provincial Elections held on 29 May 2024.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, re-elected as President and head of government, was inaugurated on 19 June 2024 at a ceremony held at the Union Buildings. The President subsequently announced his Cabinet for the seventh administration, consisting of members of the Government of National Unity.

Upcoming Parliamentary Activities

In addition to the induction programme, the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) will convene a plenary sitting on Tuesday at 2pm. The agenda includes:

Election of the Permanent Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP

Election of the Programming Whip and House Chairpersons

Election of members to represent the NCOP at various bodies, including the Pan African Parliament, Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum, Judicial Services Commission, Magistrate Commission, Political Office-Bearers Pension Fund, and PARMED Medical Aid Scheme Trustee Members

The National Assembly (NA) will also hold a plenary sitting on Tuesday at 2pm to:

Revive the Appropriation Bill

Elect House Chairpersons

Elect members to represent the NA at the Pan-African Parliament, Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum, and the Judicial Services Commission

Both plenary sittings will take place at the Century City Conference Centre.

Future Parliamentary Committee Structures

Parliament will soon constitute its committee structures, which play a crucial role in overseeing and scrutinizing government work. These committees provide a platform for debate and ensure accountability within the government.

This induction programme and the forthcoming parliamentary activities underscore the commitment of South Africa's seventh administration to effective governance and accountability.