Convicted Apla operative Kenny Motsamai was among the new Members of Parliament sworn into the National Council of Provinces.
The EFF’s Motsamai was released from prison just last year after serving 27 years for murder.
Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng had the those in the house on the edge of their seats, starting proceedings on a concerned note.
“One member who has to be sworn in was convicted and is on parole,” Mogoeng said.
“I know it’s been a subject matter of debate.”
Mogoeng explained that at least five years must pass after serving a sentence before a delegate can become an MP but, without naming the affected person, the Chief Justice explained the delegate concerned was convicted in 1989, and the provision in the Constitution only came into effect in 1996.
“It is for that reason that I will be administering the oath. My reading of the Constitution is that after means after,” Mogoeng said.
Motsamai, a former PAC member, joined the EFF last year after it vigorously campaigned for his release.
Former Johannesburg mayor and National Assembly MP Amos Masondo was elected unopposed to chair the house.
His deputy, former Northern Cape Premier Sylvia Lucas was however heckled from the public gallery over the R50 000 she spent on fast food during the first two months of her premiership in 2013.
Seiso Mohai has retained his job as Chief Whip.
EFF Members of Parliament #EFFInParliament pic.twitter.com/pxasNGYZWS
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) May 23, 2019
[MUST WATCH]: Ntate Motsamai says he is happy the PAC is in Parliament but what he is going to do now is to work for South Africans to see the light in the EFF. #EFFInParliament pic.twitter.com/3CZsLcEdWf
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) May 23, 2019
[MUST WATCH] : Ntate Motsamai says EFF is an organization that keeps promises.
He adds that he is in Parliament because of the EFF not because he spent years in jail. #EFFInParliament pic.twitter.com/X0SWE37cO6
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) May 23, 2019
[MUST WATCH]: Ntate Motsamai breaks down into tears talking to @AndiMakinana, appealing to the President of South Africa to release political prisoners #EFFInParliament pic.twitter.com/uCysAuq5r9
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) May 23, 2019
A MOMENT!
Ntate Kenny Motsamai, a former military commander of the Azanian People’s Liberation Army (Apla), now a member of the EFF, being sworn in as a member of the NCOP #EFFInParliament pic.twitter.com/4A8AVnxner
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) May 23, 2019
Source: eNCA
