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6 May 2009

The next government will have a very busy five years, President Jacob Zuma said after his election as South Africa's President-elect in the National Assembly on Wednesday, 6 May 2009.

The day marked the establishment of the Fourth Democratic Parliament, and in the House the new Members of Parliament (MPs) showed their delight with song, dance and laughter.

The day's proceedings started at 10h30 with the swearing-in of members and election of the National Assembly's Presiding Officers. Mr Max Sisulu was appointed Speaker, the first male to hold this position in the democratic South Africa, and Ms Nomaindia Mfeketo, as Deputy Speaker.

Both Presiding Officers thanked the House for the trust and confidence it had shown in appointing them, and promised to do their best in carrying out their responsibilities.

Later in the day, Chief Justice Pius Langa who earlier conducted the election of the new Speaker presided over the election for the country's president. The ANC nominated Mr Zuma for the position and the Congress of the People nominated Dr Mvume Dandala. Mr Zuma won by 277 votes to 47. The Democratic Alliance abstained from voting and there were three spoiled ballots.

In his acceptance speech, Mr Zuma said: "I am overwhelmed by the responsibility that is being thrust upon my shoulders; as President I will do my best to lead the country towards Madiba's vision of a non-sexist, reconciliatory and forgiving South Africa.”

He made it clear that there would not be time wasted when he told the House that his new cabinet would start working on Monday, the same day Ministers will be sworn in. "The cabinet will assume office on May 11 so that we get down to business and work hard at the necessary speed."

The President said key priorities for his team in this "busy five years" will be education, health, land reform and rural development, crime and the creation of decent employment.

"However the most immediate is to respond to the challenges raised by the world economic crisis; we need to act swiftly to protect our jobs and economy," said Mr Zuma.

Zuma also took members through the history of his "special relationship" with Parliament, from his days as a National Council of Provinces (NCOP) delegate to the day he left "unceremoniously" in 2005.

ANC chief whip Dr Mathole Motshekga said the ruling party would work with all parties in Parliament to deepen the oversight role of the institution. Opposition parties congratulated Mr Zuma and pledged their support to him and the office of the President. They reminded him that the electorate had high expectations of him, mentioning crime, job creation and service delivery among issues that needed urgent attention.

Issued by: Parliament of South Africa
6 May 2009