ANC in Parliament on the appointment of Chief Whip Jackson Mthembu

22 March 2016

The African National Congress in Parliament congratulates Cde Jackson Mthembu for his appointment as the new Chief Whip of the Majority Party in Parliament. Cde Mthembu was confirmed by the National Executive Committee of the ANC at the weekend to replace former Chief Whip, Cde Stone Sizani. As it is the tradition, his appointment will be officially announced at the next meeting of the ANC Parliamentary Caucus. 

Cde Mthembu, who has been chairperson of the portfolio committee on environmental affairs since becoming MP in the National Assembly in 2014, brings to this position wealth of political and legislative leadership experience. He is currently a member of the national executive committee of the ANC and has previously served as the national spokesperson of the governing party between 2009 and 2014. In the past, Cde Mthembu held the position of MEC for roads and transport in Mpumalanga and that of the speaker of the Mpumalanga Legislature. He also served as Chief Whip in the Mpumalanga Legislature for several years.

The new ANC Chief Whip, who was amongst the first generation of ANC MPs in the Senate (now known as the National Council of Provinces) following the 1994 democratic breakthrough, said he was truly honoured and humbled by the confidence shown in him.

He said: “I commit to serve the movement and the people of South Africa in this new role with integrity, honesty and selflessness as part of a collective of whips and other ANC parliamentary deployees. We will also work cooperatively and diligently with other parliamentary parties in ensuring that Parliament continues to gain the confidence of our people in fulfilling its mandate of bettering the lives of South Africans.”

The Chief Whip of the Majority Party is the most senior ANC Whip who is responsible for the actions of all ANC MPs. It is the task of the Chief Whip to ensure that MPs conduct themselves in a disciplined manner, perform their functions efficiently, and that there is sound political management for the effective implementation of ANC programmes through a robust parliamentary oversight.

The Chief Whip of the Majority Party, in cooperation with the Presiding Officers, Leaders and Whips of other political parties, has the overall responsibility of ensuring that the business of the House is conducted and delivered efficiently. The Chief Whip is represented in all Parliamentary structures and forums, such as committees, sub-committees and inter-party forums, by designated Whips. The ANC Chief Whip is the most senior party parliamentary office bearer; is the political manager and strategist for ANC Caucus and acts on delegated authority from the NEC and the Political Committee.

We have no doubt that with his experience Cde Mthembu will immerse himself into the new responsibilities with great ease.

Issued by the ANC in Parliament, 22 March 2016