This, after the Freedom Front Plus’ Armand Cloete has been sworn in as a Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) following the resignation of Devar Smith, the former local FF Plus representative. 

Cloete, who previously occupied the NCOP position, is now the party’s MPL. 

Today marks exactly a week since he was sworn in by the Speaker of the Free State Legislature, Zanele Sifuba. 

Sifuba has explained the administration of an oath or solemn affirmation to a member, is part of the official process when taking public office as provided for in the Constitution, and she has meanwhile publicly wished Cloete well with his new responsibilities. 

Sifuba has also expressed gratitude for the role Smith played in the work of the Provincial Legislature and the contribution he made.

The NCOP consists of 90 provincial delegates, namely 10 delegates for each of the nine provinces. This means that each province is equally represented in the NCOP.

A provincial delegation consists of six permanent delegates and four special delegates.

The permanent delegates are appointed by the nine provincial legislatures. The four special delegates consist of the Premier of the province and three other special delegates assigned from members of the Provincial Legislature. They are selected by each province from Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs) and are rotated depending on the subject matter being considered by the NCOP. The Premier of a province is the head of the province’s delegation but he or she can select any other delegate to lead the delegation in his or her absence.

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