The Chairperson of the NCOP hon Amos Masondo, Deputy Chairperson, malibongwe igama lamakhosikazi! [praise the name of women!], Chief Justice hon Mogoeng Mogoeng, Chief Whip Ntate Mohai, the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature extends hearty congratulations to the permanent delegates to the NCOP that have just been sworn in at this first sitting of the NCOP today. Post the swearing in, we have witnessed the elections and appointments that were made. The Eastern Cape therefore wishes to assure the citizenry of South Africa that the NCOP is ready to hit the ground running in turning the tide against the stubborn challenges of inequality, poverty and unemployment by ensuring an effective sixth term of the Council.
Hon Chair, we are confident that the newly sworn in permanent delegates and the appointed presiding officers are fit for the purpose to discharge their duties of ensuring an activist and people-centred NCOP that will enact meaningful public participation, rigorous oversight and progressive lawmaking always remember and represent the provinces that have deployed you. I thank you. [Applause.]