South Africa's presidential inauguration date set for June 19

CAPE TOWN -- The South African parliament on Thursday announced that the inauguration of the country's president-elect will be held in Pretoria Wednesday next week.

According to a statement issued by the parliament, the newly elected National Assembly, the lower house of the legislature, will hold its first sitting Friday at the Cape Town International Convention Center to elect the South African president for the next five years. This follows the country's 2024 general elections on May 29 where members of the National Assembly and provincial legislatures were elected.

"The first sitting of the National Assembly will commence with the swearing-in of all designated members in attendance by the chief justice. Following the swearing-in ceremony, the chief justice will also preside over the election of the speaker of the National Assembly," said Xolile George, secretary to the Parliament, in the statement.

Once elected, the newly appointed speaker will take over the proceedings and preside over the election of the deputy speaker, according to him.

"With the speaker and deputy Speaker elected, the National Assembly will then be constitutionally competent to proceed with its first major task -- the election of the man or woman from amongst the members of the Assembly, to be inaugurated as the President of the Republic," said George. "This is a crucial process, as it sets the stage for the formation of the new administration that will govern the country. Once elected, the person ceases to be a member of parliament."

The constitution stipulates that once elected as president by the National Assembly, the president-elect must assume office within five days by taking an oath or affirming their faithfulness to the republic and their obedience to the constitution, according to the parliament's secretary.

"After the conclusion of the first sittings, members will proceed to attend the inauguration of the president-elect, which is scheduled for June 19, 2024 in Pretoria," he added.