Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996/1997-02-04/Chapter 5

Acting President

When the President is absent from the Republic or otherwise unable to fulfil the duties of President, or during a vacancy in the office of President, an office-bearer in the order below acts as President:

The Deputy President. A Minister designated by the President. A Minister designated by the other members of the Cabinet. The Speaker, until the National Assembly designates one of its other members.

An Acting President has the responsibilities, powers and functions of the President.

Before assuming the responsibilities, powers and functions of the President, the Acting President must swear or affirm faithfulness to the Republic and obedience to the Constitution, in accordance with Schedule 2.

A person who as Acting President has sworn or affirmed faithfulness to the Republic need not repeat the swearing or affirming procedure for any subsequent term as Acting President during the period ending when the person next elected President assumes office.