By Karen Pretorius and Nombini Matomela

REPRESENTATIVES of the National Council of Provinces were sworn in yesterday by Chief Justice Arthur Chaskalson at a ceremony in Parliament yesterday afternoon.

President Thabo Mbeki, Premiers and Speakers from the provinces attended the swearing in ceremony. Members took their oath in groups according to the provinces they represented.

During the election of the office bearers, Northern Cape Premier Elizabeth Dipuo Peters nominated Joyce Kgoali for the position of Chairperson of the NCOP. Ms Kgoali was the only nomination for this position. Mnimwa Johannes Mahlangu retained his post as Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP.

Mahlangu said the NCOP was a very important house and referring to the new members, he said they had a great job ahead of them.

The new rotating Deputy Chairperson is Free State Premier Beatrice Marshoff. In her acceptance speech, the Chairperson said the NCOP was an effective forum to raise provincial issues at a national level. Kgoali pledged to improve public participation in Parliament and to increase the use of information technology in the NCOP. "I would also aim to improve the oversight and accountability role of the NCOP," she added.

Kgoali said this house of Parliament had come of age under the leadership of her predecessor, Naledi Pandor, who is now the country's education minister. The new Chairperson said her position was a challenge, one that she was looking forward to.

Addressing the NCOP, Eastern Cape Premier Nosimo Balindlela said this house had a crucial role to play. "Through the NCOP you will ensure that the needs of our people in the provinces are met," Balindlela said.

SOURCE: - BuaNews