What Is 24th Parliament of South Africa

Overview

The 24th Parliament of South Africa represents the legislative body formed after the 2019 general elections, which determined the composition of both the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP). This session began on May 22, 2019, following the official election results announced by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) on May 11, 2019.

As the sixth democratic Parliament since 1994, it operated under the Constitution of South Africa and was responsible for passing laws, overseeing executive actions, and representing public interests. The 24th Parliament functioned until May 2024, when the next general election led to the formation of the 25th Parliament.

• Term duration: The 24th Parliament served a full five-year term from May 22, 2019, to May 28, 2024, aligning with South Africa’s constitutional election cycle.
• Composition: The National Assembly had 400 members elected through a proportional representation system based on party votes from the 2019 election.
• NCOP representation: The National Council of Provinces included 90 delegates, with each of South Africa’s nine provinces sending ten representatives.
• ANC dominance: The African National Congress (ANC) secured 230 seats (57.5%) in the National Assembly, maintaining its majority but losing ground compared to 2014.
• Opposition growth: The Democratic Alliance (DA) won 84 seats, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) gained 44, and smaller parties like the IFP and ATM increased their parliamentary presence.

How It Works

The functioning of the 24th Parliament was governed by the South African Constitution, the Rules of the National Assembly, and the practices of democratic oversight. Legislative processes, debates, and committee work were central to its operations, with sessions held primarily at the parliamentary complex in Cape Town.

• Term: The term lasted from May 22, 2019, to May 28, 2024. It ended automatically before the 2024 general elections, as mandated by the Constitution, which limits parliamentary terms to five years unless dissolved earlier.
• Speaker election:Thandi Modise was elected Speaker of the National Assembly on June 22, 2019, becoming the first woman to hold the role in a gender-balanced leadership structure.
• President’s election: Cyril Ramaphosa was re-elected President of South Africa on May 22, 2019, by a majority vote in the National Assembly, marking his first full term after assuming office in 2018.
• Committee structure: Over 30 portfolio committees monitored government departments, including Health, Finance, and Justice, ensuring accountability and policy development.
• Legislative output: The Parliament passed over 150 bills, including the Presidential Immunity Bill and amendments to the Electoral Act to allow independent candidates.
• Public participation: Citizens could engage through public hearings, petitions, and submissions to committees, especially during debates on constitutional amendments and budget policies.
• Technology integration: The 24th Parliament adopted digital tools for virtual sessions during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing remote participation starting in 2020.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 24th Parliament to previous sessions highlights shifts in party strength, gender representation, and legislative priorities.

This table shows a decline in ANC dominance and a significant rise in EFF influence. Female representation improved due to party list adjustments, reflecting broader gender equity efforts. The DA’s slight decline and the emergence of smaller parties like the African Transformation Movement (ATM) signaled a more fragmented political landscape.

Why It Matters

The 24th Parliament played a crucial role in shaping post-apartheid South Africa’s democratic trajectory, especially amid economic challenges, corruption inquiries, and calls for reform. Its decisions impacted governance, service delivery, and constitutional integrity.

• National Health Insurance: The Parliament advanced the NHI Bill, aiming to provide universal healthcare, though it sparked debate over funding and implementation.
• State capture response: It supported the Zondo Commission’s work, leading to legislative changes to strengthen anti-corruption frameworks and public procurement laws.
• Electoral reform: Passed constitutional amendments allowing independent candidates to run in national and provincial elections, effective from 2024.
• Gender equity: Achieved near gender parity in leadership, with women holding key roles such as Speaker and Deputy President.
• Public trust: Faced criticism over slow service delivery but improved transparency through live-streamed sessions and open committee meetings.
• Legacy: Set precedents for digital governance and multi-party engagement, influencing the more competitive 25th Parliament.

The 24th Parliament laid groundwork for a more inclusive and accountable political system, balancing continuity with reform in a rapidly evolving democracy.