Cape Town: These roads will be closed for National Assembly and NCOP sitting

The City of Cape Town’s Traffic Service has announced multiple road closures around the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) which started from 18:00 on Wednesday. These closures aim to facilitate the upcoming events at the CTICC, including the first sittings of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP). Motorists are advised to plan their routes accordingly and avoid the Foreshore area where possible.

DETAILS OF ROAD CLOSURES

From 18:00 on Wednesday, several roads are closed. The two left lanes on Walter Sisulu Avenue at Lower Long Street, towards Heerengracht Street, are closed, with only the right lane remaining open. However, this lane might also be closed on Friday and Saturday if necessary. Lower Long Street will be closed from FW De Klerk Boulevard towards Walter Sisulu Avenue. Additionally, FW De Klerk Boulevard will be closed at Heerengracht Street, allowing only local access. The left lane along Heerengracht Street between the Walter Sisulu Avenue traffic circle and FW De Klerk Boulevard, as well as the right lane at the MyCiti depot along FW De Klerk Boulevard, is also closed.

On Friday, the left lane on the elevated freeway next to the Convention Centre will be closed from 9:00. These closures will remain in effect until the conclusion of events at the CTICC.

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY’S FIRST SITTING

The first sitting of the National Assembly is scheduled for 10:00 on Friday, as announced by the Office of Chief Justice Raymond Zondo. Following the recent national elections on 29 May, this session marks the beginning of the new legislative term. According to Section 51(1) of the Constitution, the Chief Justice has the authority to convene the first sitting of the National Assembly after national elections.

“During the first sitting of Parliament, the Chief Justice will administer the prescribed oath or affirmation to members of the National Assembly. This is an oath of faithfulness to the Republic and obedience to the Constitution, which is required before members can perform their duties,” the statement from the Chief Justice’s office explained.

Furthermore, the session will include the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, followed by the election of the President, overseen by the Chief Justice.

FIRST SITTING OF THE NCOP

The NCOP’s first sitting will take place on Saturday. Chief Justice Zondo will administer the oath to members and oversee the election of the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP.

Judges-President in the provinces, designated by the Chief Justice, will determine the first sittings of the Provincial Legislatures. These sittings must occur within 14 days of the election results declaration. The Judges-President will administer the oath to members, preside over the election of the Speaker of the Legislature, and oversee the election of the Premier.