Cape Town- Hundreds of Parliamentarians from
across the political spectrum have been sworn in as legislators during a
ceremony in the National Assembly today.
Constitutional Court Chief Justice Arthur Chaskalson
presided over the ceremony.
President Thabo Mbeki and Deputy President Jacob Zuma
and some other ministers formed the first group of legislators to be sworn in.
Members either took the oath or affirmation, vowing to
be faithful to South Africa.
The leader of the Independent Democrats Patricia De
Lille and former Western Cape Premier Marthinus Van Schalkwyk were amongst one
the first groups to be sworn-in.
Former premiers attending the ceremony this morning
included Manne Dipico, Northern Cape, Ngoako Ramatlhodi, Limpopo and Winkie
Direko, Free State.
Also recognising people with disability, one visually
impaired parliamentarian took his oath in braille.
The Assembly has a brand new speaker in Baleka Mbete,
whose nomination drew loud applause from the floor. She was the only nominee
for the position.
She was led to the hot seat by the country's Sergeant-At
Arms, after which she presided over proceedings.
"It is with great humility that I take the post as
speaker of National Assembly," said Ms Mbete.
Fighting back tears, she paid tribute to her predecessor
Dr Frene Ginwala, saying the former Speaker had made a huge contribution to
the country.
"Dr Ginwala, I salute you," the new Speaker of the
National Assembly said.
Speaker Mbete then welcomed members especially new ones
to the Assembly.
The new Deputy Speaker of the Assembly is Gwen
Mahlangu-Nkabinde, who was the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on
Environmental Affairs.
She was the only candidate nominated for the position.
"I'm humbled by the confidence shown in me by this
house," said Ms Mahlangu-Nkabinde.
The assembly adjourned for lunch, shortly after
religious leaders had blessed it.
This afternoon, members will return to elect the
country's third democratic President.
