What the constitution says about who can be an MP
According to the constitution, every SA citizen who is qualified to vote is eligible to be a member of the National Assembly. However, there are a few exceptions
According to the constitution, every SA citizen who is qualified to vote is eligible to be a member of the National Assembly. However, there are a few exceptions: • Anyone who has been appointed by or is in service of the state and receives payment for that work does not qualify to be an MP. This does not apply to the president and deputy president, ministers and deputy ministers, and other office-bearers whose functions are compatible with those of an MP, and have been recognised as such by law. • Permanent delegates of the National Council of Provinces or members of a provincial legislature or municipal council. • Unrehabilitated insolvents and anyone declared to be of unsound mind by a court. • Those who have been convicted of an offence and sentenced to more than a year in prison without the option of a fine. This applies to offences committed within and outside SA if the conduct would have constituted an offence in SA. An individual is not considered sentenced until an appeal a...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.