A joint sitting of the two Houses of Parliament, the National Assembly (NA) and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) is to be held on Monday, 9 December to honour and commemorate former President, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.
The sitting will start at 14.00.
Madiba, as the world fondly remembers him, passed on peacefully at his home last night in the presence of his family.
In terms of the Rules of Parliament, the Speaker of the NA and Chairperson of the NCOP acting jointly may call a joint sitting of the Houses when necessary.
“The passing of an iconic world statesman, a political, moral and intellectual colossus of Madiba’s stature more than justifies the convening of a special sitting of Parliament, even during recess,” the Presiding Officers said.
Additional spaces will be identified within Parliament to accommodate members of the public who wish to be part of this extraordinary session of Parliament. Seating in the National Assembly is limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Parliament, which is currently in recess, was due to reconvene in the new year.
Books of condolences will be opened at various venues within the precinct and all flags within Parliament are flying at half mast. This arrangement will remain in place until after the funeral.
Various spaces will be designated to enable members of the public to show their last respects for the duration of the mourning period and a special exhibition will be mounted across Parliament. Special telephone lines 021 403 2502/2621/2833 have been activated to assist members of the public who need information regarding arrangements about Madiba’s funeral.
Parliament will be working closely with other role players, including the Government, the African National Congress, the City of Cape Town and civil society organisations, to ensure co-ordination and co-operation in the rolling out of the various commemorative programmes.
