Cape Town - The new National Assembly on Wednesday elected President Jacob Zuma unopposed for a second five-year term as head of state
Zuma was re-elected after a failed bid by the Democratic Alliance to argue that he was not fit for the post.
After the ANC nominated Zuma, the DA's James Selfe rose to ask that Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng rule that he was not a "fit and proper person", notably because of his inadequate response to reports from the Public Protector.
Home Affairs Minister Naledi Pandor countered that it was a "frivolous motion" because, constitutionally, any member of the Assembly could be elected president.
The chief justice concurred that under section 86 of the Constitution this was the case, and reminded members that earlier in the day Zuma was indeed sworn in as one of the 400 members of the chamber.
"My ruling is therefore to dismiss the point raised without costs," Mogoeng quipped, before confirming Zuma's election as president.Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng declared Zuma the victor after he was nominated unopposed.
Zuma is due to be sworn in on Saturday. - Sapa-AFP