National Assembly of South Africa facts for kids
The National Assembly is like the main meeting place for lawmakers in South Africa. It's a very important part of the country's government, located in Cape Town, in the Western Cape province. Think of it as one of the two main groups that make up the Parliament of South Africa.
This group is made up of 400 people. These people are called Members of Parliament, or MPs for short. They are chosen by the people of South Africa in an election that happens every five years. Their job is to represent the citizens and make laws for the country.
The National Assembly has a leader called the Speaker. The Speaker's job is to make sure meetings run smoothly and fairly. They are helped by a Deputy Speaker. As of May 22, 2019, the Speaker is Thandi Modise. She used to be the leader of another part of Parliament called the National Council of Provinces.
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What is the National Assembly?
The National Assembly is often called the "lower house" of Parliament. This means it's the part of government where most of the new laws are discussed and voted on. It's where the voices of the people are heard through their elected representatives.
How Does the National Assembly Work?
The main job of the National Assembly is to make laws for South Africa. They also watch over the government to make sure it's doing its job well. Members of Parliament discuss important issues, debate new ideas, and vote on whether a proposed law should become real.
Who are the Members of Parliament?
The 400 Members of Parliament (MPs) come from different political parties. They are chosen by the people of South Africa during national elections. Each MP represents the interests of the citizens who voted for them. They work together, and sometimes debate, to make decisions that affect everyone in the country.
The Role of the Speaker
The Speaker is like the referee of the National Assembly. They make sure that all the rules are followed during debates and votes. The Speaker also helps to keep order and allows everyone to have a fair chance to speak. The Deputy Speaker helps the Speaker and takes over when the Speaker is not there.
