Election of Chairperson

Meeting report

Election of Chairperson

Mr Eddie Mathonsi, Committee Secretary, welcomed the Committee and explained that Rule 158 of the Rules of the National Assembly required him to preside over the election of a chairperson and then hand over the chair to that person. He explained to Members the differences between Alternate and full Members – Alternate Members could partake in the proceedings but could only vote if Full Members of their party were not present. He outlined the election process as follows:

• A Member would need to be nominate a nominee for the position of chairperson
• The nomination would need to be seconded
• If there is only one nominee, then that nominee would become the Chairperson, if there is more than one nominee, then there would be a vote by show of hands.

The Chairperson called for nominations.

Mr M Chabane (ANC) nominated Adv B Bongo (ANC).

Ms T Legwase (ANC) seconded the nomination.

Adv B Bongo (ANC) accepted the nomination.

Mr J McGluwa (DA) stated that he was actually shocked that Adv Bongo accepted the nomination, given the circumstances. 

Mr Chabane interrupted and objected to Mr McGluwa’s nomination approach. He stated that this was a time to give nominations not for Mr McGluwa to attack the nominee. He stated that if Mr McGluwa wished to nominate someone, he should do so and not demean the character of the ANC nominee.

Mr McGluwa stated that he was busy nominating someone before being interrupted by the ANC Member. He stated that he merely wished to nominate his nominee with a motivation and wanted to know what was wrong with that.

Ms Legwase stated that Mr McGluwa was out of line.

Mr McGluwa stated that he was nominating a person, with motivation and that he was allowed to do that.

Mr M Molekwa (ANC) explained that if any Member wanted to nominate a person for the position of Chairperson, they firstly needed to say the name of their nomination and then could say whatever else they wanted to.

The Secretary requested Mr McGluwa to start his nomination with mentioning the nominee of his choice.

Ms T Khanyile (DA) objected and explained that the rules which governed the process of the election of a chairperson, did not state the approach and method of nomination. 

Ms Legwase interjected and stated that Mr McGluwa needed to nominate a person, it was not necessary to motivate.

Mr McGluwa stated that whenever he nominated someone such as in the current situation, it was important to know why he had nominated the person. He would nominate someone who was untainted and was fit to hold the position of Chairperson.

The Secretary stated that Mr McGluwa needed to nominate someone and state their name first.

Mr McGluwa stated that he was well aware that the ANC was divided.

Mr Molekwa objected to the approach and statement given by Mr McGluwa. Mr McGluwa needed to know that there was a time and place for everything, and this occasion was not it.

The Secretary once again asked Mr McGluwa to simply give his nomination for chairperson.

Ms Khanyile stated that Mr McGluwa was trying to give his nomination and was not being allowed to do so, given the constant interruptions by ANC Members.

Ms Legwase stated that the approach taken by Mr McGluwa was not the correct one and was trying to show disrepute on the nomination of the ANC. She stated that the Secretary should not allow the approach of Mr McGluwa, who was trying to grandstand and perform for the TV cameras.

Mr J Maake (ANC) stated that Mr McGluwa simply needed to give a nomination if he wished to do so; the constant back and forth was unnecessary and was impeding the process of the election. He requested that Mr McGluwa not use this occasion to perform for the TV crew but keep to the business at hand.

Ms Khanyile stated that for the sake of time, if the Secretary could allow Mr McGluwa to complete his nomination and then move on.

Mr McGluwa stated that he was not scared of cameras. He reiterated that that he was used to cameras. The Committee and the ANC specifically should not be scared for him to complete his motivation, as it may even convince some of them to vote for his nominee.

Mr Molekwa stated that the nomination by Mr McGluwa should seek to address to his nomination and not demean the nomination of the ANC.

The Secretary asked Mr McGluwa to complete his nomination.

Mr McGluwa stated that the Committee had the opportunity to honour the Constitution by havinga minority party Member sitting as Chairperson. He stated that given the Zondo Commission and various inquiries taking place and the people implicated in them, he nominated Ms T Khanyile (DA) for the position of Chairperson.

Mr A Roos (DA) seconded the nomination. He stated that the Secretary had explained that Alternate members were allowed to participate in the election proceedings but were not allowed to vote. He reemphasized that he was participating in the proceedings by seconding the nomination and was not voting.

Ms Legwase stated that nomination and seconding is part of the election process as a whole.

The Secretary stated that he was not exactly sure but in his knowledge, the election proceedings did not include Alternate members unless Full Members were not present.

Ms L Van der Merwe (IFP) stated that she would make it easy for the Secretary and Mr Roos, as she was a Full Member. She seconded the nomination of Ms Khanyile. 

Ms Khanyile accepted the nomination.

The Secretary stated that voting would be by a show of hands.

Adv B Bongo was supported by all six ANC Members present.

Ms T Khanyile was supported byMr McGluwa andMs Van der Merwe.

Ms L Tito (EFF) abstained from voting.

Mr Bongo was elected and took his place as Chairperson of the Committee. He thanked his colleagues for entrusting him with the position and promised to preside over proceedings in a fair, impartial and orderly manner that would enhance the work being done for the citizens of South Africa. He promised that as a Chairperson he would assist in terms of his oath that he took in the House, to uphold the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and all other laws of the country. He would take exceptions to Members stalling meetings while the majority of South Africans wanted them to deliver. He said that they had just come from elections and were therefore expected to hit the ground running and in full force. There would be no delays as South Africans wanted to see progress. He explained to the Committee that the first meeting would start at 11am and was expected to go on until late. Committee staff would arrange transport for Members, if necessary. 

The meeting was adjourned.