Former Mpumalanga Premier Refilwe Mtsweni-Tshipane was elected NCOP Chairperson at the inaugural meeting of the National Council of Provincial Assembly (NCOP) in Cape Town this morning.
Chief Justice Raymond Zondo presided over the swearing-in ceremony of the 54 permanent delegates to the NCOP, elected from all nine states.
Chairperson-elect Mtsweni Tshipane said she was honoured by the nomination.
“I am honoured and extremely humbled to assume the role of Chairperson of the NCOP during the seventh Parliamentary term. It is truly an honour for me to serve the Constitution, which is the fundamental framework for democratic governance in South Africa. I promise to discharge my duties to the best of my ability and in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.”
Mtsweni-Tsipane also noted that the oversight role the council plays over the executive branch is crucial, adding that the NCOP has a lot of work to do as the seventh administration takes shape.
“South Africa faces multiple challenges including high levels of poverty, inequality, unemployment and GBV. As we enter this critical phase, we must make a collective effort to work collaboratively with stakeholders,” she says.
Alongside Mtsweni-Tshipane, Northern Cape ANC MP Kenneth Moyemang was elected as NCOP floor leader.
Mmoimang has been the Permanent Representative to the NCOP since May 2019.
In his inaugural address, he promised South Africans that he would respect their constitutional obligations.
“I am extremely grateful for the confidence shown in me by my party, the ANC, the GNU (Government of National Unity) and other parties. I am truly humbled…”
He added: “Indeed, today's assumption of the Speakership marks another important milestone following the historic 2024 national and local elections. It is my contention, therefore, that the rehabilitation of local government should be one of the key test points in measuring the success of this Parliament in this 7th democratic Parliament.”
7th Congress | Leaders herald change at first NCOP meeting