South Africa: New members of parliament sworn in

By Hassan Isilow

JOHANNESBURG (AA) - South Africa’s newly-elected members of parliament have been sworn in on Wednesday, with the exception of the country’s Deputy President David Mabuza who has to first get his name cleared of corruption allegations.

South Africa held elections on May 8, which the ruling African National Congress (ANC) won with a reduced majority after obtaining 58% of the vote.

The ANC obtained 230 seats out of the 400-seat national Parliament. It lost 14 seats in the current 6th democratic parliament.

David Mabuza, who is also the ANC deputy president, is expected to appear before the ANC integrity commission, as he was accused of bringing the party into disrepute for alleged corruption.

Experts say this is the first time that a deputy president has missed out on taking oath as Member of Parliament.

If Mabuza is not sworn in by Thursday, he could miss his position in the Cabinet.

Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng, who is presiding over the oath-taking ceremony, said a speaker will be elected after all members of parliament have been sworn in.

Thereafter, members of parliament will elect a president.

South Africa, which subscribes to a proportional representation political system, grants citizens an opportunity to vote for political parties and the elected members of parliament then elect a president.

Since the ANC has a majority in parliament, Cyril Ramaphosa will automatically be elected as president later on Wednesday.

He will be inaugurated on Saturday May 25 as President of South Africa and Head of State.