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CAPE TOWN. — South Africa’s fifth democratic parliament was inaugurated yesterday, with Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng presiding over the swearing in of 400 new legislators.
There was a carnival mood at the parliament buildings in Cape Town, as the new legislators set aside the fierceness that had characterised the May 7 election and prepared to work together in the national assembly.
Some were dressed in designer and traditional outfits, but the newest party, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), stole the show, as they opted for the more unconventional overalls and domestic worker outfits.
Animated conversations took place between ANC MPs, more than 60 percent of who are returning to the parliament, as the scene was evocative of a high school reunion.
President Jacob Zuma, Cyril Ramaphosa, Lindiwe Sisulu were among the first group to take the oath. President Zuma was an MP for only a few hours, as he was formally elected president for a second term by members of the National Assembly.
There were loud cheers when Julius Malema, the EFF leader, led his party to the floor dressed in black gumboots and red boiler suits.
The EFF’s Floyd Shivambu said the overalls and hard hats were a deliberate demonstration of the party identifying with the country’s working masses. The ANC’s Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, who was dressed in black with feathers on her shoulders, kept her head down to avoid questions from the media.
Outgoing Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe sat in the visitors’ gallery watching proceedings. He opted not to return to politics and told The Africa Report he is now part of civil society and would be watching his former cabinet colleagues closely to ensure they deliver on their promises. — Theafricareport.com
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