Establishment of the Sixth Legislature

The Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL) congratulates and expresses a great sense of appreciation to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) for conducting a free and fair elections, as part of the celebration of 25 years of democratic breakthrough. We note that, despite the fact that these were generally characterised as the most difficult elections, the IEC rose to challenge and presented what many of the internal and external observers considered to be the best elections. The success of these elections is a clear demonstration of the maturity of democracy in South Africa.

GPL also expresses a great thank you to the millions of South Africans who braved harsh weather conditions to exercise their constitutional and democratic right to elect their own public representative. As a body representing the interest of the people, Gauteng Legislature commits to double its efforts in representing the interest of the people. The Legislature calls upon all citizens to become active participants in the all processes that affect their daily lives.

As part of preparing for the 6^th Term of the Legislature, GPL Administration has been preparing to welcome the incoming public representatives. We can safely say that the GPL is ready to welcome new Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs).

Following the designation by the Chief Justice of the Gauteng Judge President to preside at the Sitting of the Provincial Legislature, GPL Administration has already interacted with the Office of the Judge President to prepare for the 1^st Sittings of the Legislature scheduled for the 22^nd May 2019 at 10:00, at the Gauteng Provincial Legislature. This 1^st Sitting has the following responsibilities:

As provided by Section 107 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, before Members of the Provincial Legislature begin to perform their functions in the Legislature, they must swear or affirm the faithfulness to the Republic and obedience to the Constitution;
Elections of the Premier, Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Chairperson and Deputy Chairpersons of Committees, in terms of will in terms of Sections 128 (1) and 111 (1) and (5);
Appointment of Permanent Delegates to the National Council of Provinces; and
Conferring the mandate to the Provincial delegation to the NCOP (Permanent and Special Delegates) for the election of Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP.

As part of the preparations for the Sitting, GPL Administration met with leaders of political parties represented in GPL, to brief them of the preparations. These parties included, African National Congress (ANC), Democratic Alliance (DA), Freedom Front Plus (FF+), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP). The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) could not attend due to prior engagements. The Administration will in due course arrange to brief the EFF. All parties which attended the briefing expressed great appreciation and support for the programme outlined.

Party representation at the Gauteng Legislature and allocation of seats

Political parties that will be represented at the Gauteng Legislature are: