RSA JUDICIARY
Chief Justice Raymond Zondo has confirmed that the first sitting of the National Assembly will be on Friday.
According to the Constitution, the first sitting must take place at a time and date determined by the Chief Justice, but not more than 14 days after the election results have been declared.
During the first sitting, Zondo will administer the swearing-in of new members of the National Assembly, to be followed by the election of the speaker, who must in turn preside over the election of the deputy speaker.
Meanwhile, Parliament has canceled the flights and accommodation of 58 MK party members who are boycotting the first National Assembly sitting.
Former president Jacob Zuma's party said it would file a court appeal to prevent the new parliament from convening.
Parliamentary spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo says the decision was made after the MK indicated that its members would not be attending the first sitting after the elections.
The new party wants the opening of Parliament to be delayed until its grievances against the election results are resolved.
Mothapo says since all the MK members will not be traveling for the first sitting, the legislature decided to cancel their flights and accommodation.
He says Parliament has assured South Africa that the first sitting after the elections will proceed despite legal challenges by uMkhonto weSizwe.
