Chief Justice Mr Raymond Zondo
Deputy Chief Justice
Ms Mandisa Maya
Acting-Speaker of
Parliament Mr Lechesa Tsenoli
Chairperson of the National Council of
Provinces Mr Amos Masondo
Fellow Commissioners
The Secretary to Parliament Mr Xolile George
The Chief Electoral
Officer Mr Sy Mamabolo and his EXCO
Honoured guests
Esteemed colleagues
Members of the media,
and fellow citizens.
Today, we officially
present the final list of elected representatives for the National Assembly and
the nine provincial legislatures following the conclusion of the 2024 National
and Provincial Elections. We do so in keeping with an established practice in
South Africa that after the announcement by the Electoral Commission of the
results of the National and Provincial Elections, the Electoral Commission
hands over the lists of members of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures to
the Chief Justice, who then hands them over to the Secretary to Parliament. This
momentous occasion signifies the culmination of a robust and transparent
electoral process, a process that echoes the unified voice of our nation.
Chief Justice, our
role as the Electoral Commission, as contemplated in the Constitution, is to
ensure that South African voters exercise their rights to choose their leaders.
We have carried out these responsibilities without fear, favour or prejudice.
The lists that we present to you reflect the choices of South Africans.
Chief Justice, the
list that the Electoral Commission is presenting to you comprises 174 women and
226 men. This means that 43,5% of the elected representatives are women, and
56,5% are men. They range in age from 20 to 79. To break it down even further:
- 12 candidates are in age cohort 20-29,
- 67 are 30-39 age band,
- 110 are between 40 and 49,
- 110 are again 50 to 59,
- 90 are 60 to 69,
- 11 are 70 and above.
These representatives
reflect the choices, hopes, and aspirations of millions of citizens who
exercised their democratic rights.
In closing, please let
me express the Electoral Commission’s deepest gratitude to everyone who played
a crucial role in this electoral process. From the parties and independent
candidates to the tireless efforts of the election officials, party agents,
observers, the state, civil society organisations, faith-based organisations,
the media, organised business and organised labour. This list is not exhaustive
– an election touches the lives of everyone in a nation. Their commitment to
ensuring a fair and transparent election has been truly commendable.
Chief Justice, I now
present the final list of elected representatives for the National Assembly and
the nine provincial legislatures.
Thank you.