Parliament of South Africa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Parliament of theRepublic of South Africa List
10 other official names:
Parlement van Suid-Afrika (Afrikaans) iPalamende yeSewula Afrika (Southern Ndebele) iPalamente yoMzantsi Afrika (Xhosa) iPhalamende yaseNingizimu Afrika (Zulu) iPhalamende yeNingizimu Afrika (Swazi) Palamente ya Afrika-Borwa (Northern Sotho) Palamente ya Afrika Borwa (Sotho) Palamente ya Aforika Borwa (Tswana) Palamende ra Afrika Dzonga (Tsonga) Phaḽamennde ya Afurika Tshipembe (Venda) |
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| 28th Parliament | |
Coat of arms of the Parliament of South Africa
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Logo of Parliament
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| Type | |
| Type | |
| Houses | National Assembly National Council of Provinces |
| History | |
| Founded | 31 May 1910 |
| Leadership | |
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Speaker of the National Assembly
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Thoko Didiza, ANC
Since 14 June 2024 |
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Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces
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Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane, ANC
Since 15 June 2024 |
| Structure | |
| Seats | 490 90 National Council 400 National Assembly |
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National Council of Provinces political groups
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National Assembly political groups
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Government (287)
Opposition (113) Progressive Caucus (100)
Other Parties (13)
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| Meeting place | |
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| Houses of Parliament, Cape Town Western Cape, South Africa |
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The Parliament of the Republic of South Africa is the main law-making body for South Africa. It is found in Cape Town, which is the country's legislative capital.
Today, Parliament has two main parts: the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces. This two-chamber system helps make sure laws are fair and well-thought-out. The newest Parliament, the twenty-eighth, started its work on 14 June 2024.
For many years, from 1910 to 1994, only certain groups of people could vote for Members of Parliament. But in 1994, everyone in South Africa got the chance to vote for the first time. This was a very important moment for the country.
Parliament meets in the historic Houses of Parliament, Cape Town buildings. These buildings were constructed between 1875 and 1884. Sadly, a fire damaged parts of the buildings in January 2022. Because of this, the National Assembly temporarily met in the Good Hope Chamber.
Contents
How South Africa's Parliament Began
Early Days: Before 1910
Before South Africa became a united country in 1910, there was a parliament in the Cape of Good Hope. This early parliament, called the Parliament of the Cape of Good Hope, started in 1853. It had two parts: the House of Assembly and the Legislative Council.
In those days, men of different races could vote, as long as they met certain requirements. This was called the Cape Qualified Franchise system. The buildings used by this early parliament are the same ones that house South Africa's Parliament today.
Parliament's Structure: 1910 to 1961
When South Africa became a union in 1910, its Parliament had two houses: the Senate and the House of Assembly. The British King or Queen was also part of this system, represented by a Governor-General.
The Senate had members chosen by the provinces and the Governor-General. The House of Assembly had members directly elected by voters. These elected members were called Members of Parliament (MPs).
At first, only white men could be senators or MPs. The right to vote was mainly for white men. Some black and Coloured men in certain areas could also vote, but they had to be at least 21 years old.
Over time, voting rules changed. In 1930, white women also gained the right to vote and become MPs. Later, specific rules were made for how black and Coloured voters were represented. For example, from 1937, black voters had their own representatives in Parliament.
In 1960, the voting age was lowered to 18. That same year, a vote was held, and most white voters agreed to change South Africa from a monarchy (with a King or Queen) to a republic (with a President).
Changes in Parliament: 1961 to 1984
When South Africa became a Republic in 1961, a State President took the place of the Queen. Over these years, more changes happened to who could be represented in Parliament.
By 1968, only white voters had representatives in both the Senate and the House of Assembly. Later, in 1981, the Senate was removed, making Parliament a single-house system.
Towards Equality: 1984 to 1994
In 1984, a new Constitution brought more changes. It allowed Coloured and Indian people to vote and have their own representatives in Parliament. This created a three-house Parliament: one for white people, one for Coloured people, and one for Indian people.
Each house handled matters specific to its group, and they worked together on issues affecting everyone. However, black people still could not vote or be part of Parliament during this time.
Many people felt this system was not fair, and some groups chose not to take part in elections. In 1992, a vote was held among white voters. They approved a plan to change the country's system, which led to the end of a period where people were treated differently based on their race.
Finally, in 1993, an important new law was passed. This law, called the Interim Constitution, paved the way for the first elections where everyone, regardless of race, could vote. This historic election happened on 27 April 1994.
Modern Parliament: Since 1994
After long discussions, a new interim constitution was introduced in 1994. This meant that all adults, regardless of their race, could vote and participate in democracy. The voting age was set at 18 years.
Parliament was then set up with two houses: a Senate and a National Assembly. The National Assembly has 400 members. They are chosen through a system called proportional representation. This means people vote for political parties, and each party gets seats based on the percentage of votes it receives.
In 1997, the current Constitution of South Africa was put in place. The Senate was replaced by the National Council of Provinces (NCOP). The NCOP has 90 members, with 10 from each of South Africa's nine provinces. These members include delegates from provincial legislatures and the province's Premier.
This system helps smaller parties get a voice in Parliament. The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) makes sure elections are fair and well-organized. They manage how parties submit their lists of candidates and how seats are filled after votes are counted.
Some leaders, like Naledi Pandor, have shared concerns about how members of Parliament sometimes interact. They believe it's important for everyone to show respect and work together politely for good governance.
The 2022 Fire Incident
On 2 January 2022, a fire caused significant damage to parts of the Old Assembly Building and the National Assembly building. This event affected where Parliament could meet. A person was arrested in connection with the fire.
Key Political Parties in Parliament
African National Congress (ANC)
The ANC started in 1912. It became the leading political party in South Africa after the first democratic elections in 1994. The ANC aims to achieve equality for all people and improve the lives of everyone in the country.
The party has faced challenges, including concerns about corruption and criticism regarding economic issues. Despite these, the ANC has been a major force in South African politics since 1994.
Democratic Alliance (DA)
The DA was formed in 2000. It is often the main opposition party in Parliament. The DA has traditionally received support from various communities in South Africa. In recent years, it has worked to gain support from all South Africans.
The DA believes in policies that support a free economy. After the 2024 general election, the DA joined the Government of National Unity. This means they are now part of the government, working with other parties. As of May 2025, the party holds several important positions in government.
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)
The EFF is a newer political party that started before the 2014 elections. It quickly gained many seats in Parliament. The EFF is known for its strong views on economic change, like land reform, and for wanting to end corruption.
Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP)
The IFP was formed in 1990. It traditionally has strong support from the Zulu people but also attracts voters from other communities. The IFP has been a consistent presence in Parliament since 1994.
The party supports the role of traditional leaders and policies that encourage free markets. The IFP has also been part of the national government in the past.
uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK)
uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) is a newer party that quickly gained many votes in the 2024 South African general election. It became the third-largest party in Parliament.
After the 2024 election, the African National Congress (ANC) lost its majority in Parliament for the first time since 1994. This meant that different parties had to work together to form a government.
Where Parliament Meets
Parliament meets in the Houses of Parliament in Cape Town. This is interesting because the main government offices are in Pretoria. This setup goes back to when South Africa was first formed.
To make everyone happy, they decided to have three capitals: Cape Town for making laws, Bloemfontein for the courts, and Pretoria for running the government. Some people suggest moving Parliament to Pretoria to make things easier for government officials.
However, many people in Cape Town want Parliament to stay. They believe it's important for Parliament to remain in their city. The Constitution does allow Parliament to meet in other places if needed, for reasons like public interest or safety.
For example, after the fire in January 2022, the National Assembly had to meet in the Good Hope Chamber. This temporary space had a smaller seating capacity than the main chamber.
Past Parliaments of South Africa
Over the years, South Africa has had many different Parliaments. Each one played a role in shaping the country's laws and future. Here is a list of some of them:
Parliaments During the Union Era (1910-1961)
- 1st South African Parliament (1910–1915) – Majority party: South African Party
- 2nd South African Parliament (1915–1920) – Majority party: South African Party
- 3rd South African Parliament (1920–1921) – Majority party: South African Party
- 4th South African Parliament (1921–1924) – Majority party: South African Party
- 5th South African Parliament (1924–1929) – Majority party: National Party
- 6th South African Parliament (1929–1933) – Majority party: National Party
- 7th South African Parliament (1933–1938) – Majority party: United Party
- 8th South African Parliament (1938–1943) – Majority party: United Party
- 9th South African Parliament (1943–1948) – Majority party: United Party
- 10th South African Parliament (1948–1953) – Majority party: National Party
- 11th South African Parliament (1953–1958) – Majority party: National Party
- 12th South African Parliament (1958–1961) – Majority party: National Party
Parliaments During the Republic Era (1961-1994)
- 13th South African Parliament (1961–1966) – Majority party: National Party
- 14th South African Parliament (1966–1970) – Majority party: National Party
- 15th South African Parliament (1970–1974) – Majority party: National Party
- 16th South African Parliament (1974–1977) – Majority party: National Party
- 17th South African Parliament (1977–1981) – Majority party: National Party
- 18th South African Parliament (1981–1984) – Majority party: National Party
- 19th South African Parliament (1984–1987) – Majority party: National Party
- 20th South African Parliament (1987–1989) – Majority party: National Party
- 21st South African Parliament (1989–1994) – Majority party: National Party
Democratic Parliaments (Since 1994)
- 22nd South African Parliament (1994–1999) – Majority party: African National Congress
- 23rd South African Parliament (1999–2004) – Majority party: African National Congress
- 24th South African Parliament (2004–2009) – Majority party: African National Congress
- 25th South African Parliament (2009–2014) – Majority party: African National Congress
- 26th South African Parliament (2014–2019) - Majority party: African National Congress
- 27th South African Parliament (2019–2024) - Majority party: African National Congress
- 28th South African Parliament (2024–present) - No single majority; Plurality: African National Congress
See also
In Spanish: Parlamento de Sudáfrica para niños
- List of acts of the Parliament of South Africa
- Politics of South Africa
- List of legislatures by country
- List of committees of the Parliament of South Africa
- Provincial legislatures of South Africa
