adminCape Town — Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema stood to attention as he was called up to be sworn in as a first-time MP yesterday.Malema and other male EFF MPs, dressed in red overalls, removed their matching hard hats before taking the oath. Women EFF MPs, dressed as cleaners, kept their headscarves on as they mouthed the oath.
MPs took the oath in groups of 10, with the first including President Jacob Zuma, ANC deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa, Justice Minister Jeff Radebe, and Home Affairs Minister Naledi Pandor. The next group included Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan.
Zuma will remain an MP for only a few hours before being formally elected president for a second term by members of the National Assembly.
Speaking to News24 outside Parliament, the EFF’s Floyd Shivambu said the EFF has not “sold out” and that the nationalisation of mines and land expropriation without compensation remains a priority.
Meanwhile, the DA challenged the nomination of the ANC’s Baleka Mbete for the position of Speaker of the National Assembly yesterday.
The Democratic Alliance nominated former Eastern Cape premier Nosimo Balindlela to challenge Mbete.
Applause erupted from ruling party benches when ANC MP Pamela Tshwete nominated Mbete.
This was followed by howling when DA MP Annette Steyn announced the party would nominate Balindlela.
Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng announced a break in proceedings while ballot boxes were brought in for a secret vote. MPs voted before breaking for lunch. — Sapa
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