Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996/2001-11-21/Chapter 5

Election of President

At its first sitting after its election, and whenever necessary to fill a vacancy, the National Assembly must elect a woman or a man from among its members to be the President.

The Chief Justice must preside over the election of the President, or designate another judge to do so. The procedure set out in Part A of Schedule 3 applies to the election of the President.

An election to fill a vacancy in the office of President must be held at a time and on a date determined by the Chief Justice, but not more than 30 days after the vacancy occurs.

Deputy Ministers

The President may appoint —

any number of Deputy Ministers from among the members of the National Assembly; and no more than two Deputy Ministers from outside the Assembly,

to assist the members of the Cabinet, and may dismiss them.

Deputy Ministers appointed in terms of subsection (1)(b) are accountable to Parliament for the exercise of their powers and the performance of their functions.