Election of co-Chairpersons

Meeting report

Mr Pilate Gwebu introduced himself as the Constitutional Review Committee Secretary and called the meeting to order, marking the first session for the 7th Parliament. He noted an apology from Ms F Muthambi (ANC), who is unwell, and inquired if any other members had submitted apologies. He then invited his colleagues to introduce themselves.

Ms Sisanda Sipamla introduced herself as the committee's content adviser, assuring members that her experience since the 5th Democratic Parliament ensures strong institutional memory.

Ms Esmeralda Forbes identified herself as responsible for the National Assembly co-chairperson role within the committee.

Ms Serena van den Meerlen introduced herself as the executive secretary for the co-chairperson.

Ms Yolanda Daniel stated she is from the office of the Chief of the National Council of Provinces.

Ms Rajaa Azzakani introduced herself as part of the Parliament Communications team, providing communication support to the Constitutional Review Committee and six other committees. Although she may not be present in person, she emphasised her availability via phone.

Ms Thulisile Ganyaza Twalo introduced herself as the unit manager responsible for the Constitutional Review Committee.

Election National Council of Province Co-Chairperson

Mr Gwebu thanked the members and outlined the agenda item: the election of the co-chairpersons. The committee comprises 14 members from the National Assembly and nine from the NCOP. In accordance with Joint Rule 101, the committee must elect two co-chairpersons: one from the National Assembly and one from the National Council of Provinces.

He called for nominations for the co-chairperson from the National Council of Provinces.

Ms S Sithole (ANC, Northwest) nominated Mr P Sibande (ANC, Mpumalanga) for the position.

Mr M Kaunda (ANC, KZN) seconded the nomination.

Mr Gwebu confirmed the nomination and asked Mr Sibande if he accepted. Mr Sibande expressed his gratitude and confirmed his acceptance.

Mr Gwebu then asked if there were any further nominations from the NCOP.

With no additional nominations, he declared Mr P Sibande the new duly elected as co-chairperson.

Election of the National Assembly Co-Chairperson

Mr Gwebu called for nominations.

Mr G Michalakis (DA) nominated Advocate G Breytenbach (DA) as the co-chair for the National Assembly. Ms A Abrahams (DA) seconded the nomination.

Mr Gwebu confirmed the nomination and asked Advocate Breytenbach if she accepted. She replied affirmatively.

With no further nominations, Mr Gwebu declared Adv Breytenbach duly elected and invited her to address the committee.

Adv Breytenbach expressed her gratitude for the confidence placed in her. She emphasised the committee's important role in Parliament, highlighting its history of challenges and the need for diligent work. Having served on the committee for ten years, she urged members to prioritise its tasks, as many issues have persisted for over a decade. She called for collective efforts to find a schedule that allows the committee to function optimally.

Mr Sibande thanked the members for their confidence in him, briefly noting his 17 years in Parliament, with experience in the National Assembly and NCOP. He stressed the importance of prioritising the needs of South Africans above party politics and emphasised the value of consultation in their work.

Adv Breytenbach concluded by thanking the members and declaring that the meeting had adjourned.