National Assembly (South Africa): Composition, Powers and Functions
Overview of South Africa's National Assembly: its 400-member proportional composition, legislative and budgeting powers, role in electing and holding the executive to account, and key presiding officers.
The National Assembly serves as the lower house of the Parliament of South Africa. It convenes in the national parliamentary precinct in Cape Town, in the Western Cape Province, and carries responsibility for national law-making and oversight of the executive.
Membership and elections
The Assembly consists of 400 members who serve five-year terms. Members are chosen by proportional representation from party lists; half of the seats are allocated from national lists and the other half from provincial lists. This system produces a chamber whose party composition reflects the national and provincial vote shares.
Principal functions
- Considering, amending and passing legislation affecting the Republic.
- Providing oversight of government departments and the Cabinet.
- Approving the national budget and scrutinising public expenditure.
- Electing the President of South Africa and holding the executive to account, including by motions of no confidence.
Presiding officers
The National Assembly is presided over by a Speaker, who is supported by a Deputy Speaker. The Speaker chairs sittings, enforces the rules of procedure and represents the Assembly in its relations with other bodies. Since 22 May 2019 the Speaker has been Thandi Modise, who previously served as Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces.
Author
AlegsaOnline.com National Assembly (South Africa): Composition, Powers and Functions Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/143177