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National Council of Provinces Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: South African National Council of Provinces (NCOP): Structure, Functions, and Recent Developments

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South African National Council of Provinces (NCOP): Structure, Functions, and Recent Developments Study Guide

NCOP: Establishment and Structure

The National Council of Provinces (NCOP) was established in 1997 as the lower house of the Parliament of South Africa, primarily representing the general populace.

Answer: False

Explanation: The National Council of Provinces (NCOP) was established as the upper house of the Parliament of South Africa, primarily representing the governments of the country's nine provinces, not the general populace or as the lower house.

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The National Council of Provinces replaced the former Senate of South Africa when the post-apartheid constitution became fully effective in 1997.

Answer: True

Explanation: The National Council of Provinces (NCOP) was indeed established to replace the Senate of South Africa when the post-apartheid constitution took full effect in 1997.

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Each of South Africa's nine provinces is represented by a number of delegates proportional to its population size in the NCOP.

Answer: False

Explanation: Each of South Africa's nine provinces is equally represented by ten delegates in the NCOP, irrespective of its population size. This ensures equal provincial representation.

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A provincial delegation in the NCOP is composed of six permanent delegates and four special delegates.

Answer: True

Explanation: A provincial delegation to the NCOP is indeed structured with six permanent delegates and four special delegates, as specified by the Constitution.

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Party representation within a provincial delegation to the NCOP is determined by a national formula, not reflecting the specific provincial legislature's party representation.

Answer: False

Explanation: Party representation within a provincial delegation to the NCOP is constitutionally mandated to proportionally reflect the party representation in that specific provincial legislature, not a national formula.

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Permanent delegates to the National Council of Provinces are selected by the national Parliament.

Answer: False

Explanation: Permanent delegates to the National Council of Provinces are selected by the nine provincial legislatures, not the national Parliament.

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The Premier of a province is always one of the four special delegates in a provincial NCOP delegation and leads the delegation.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Premier of a province is indeed one of the four special delegates and is responsible for leading their province's delegation in the NCOP, although they can designate another delegate to act in their absence.

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Delegates from the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) have full voting rights in the NCOP.

Answer: False

Explanation: Delegates from the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) are permitted to participate in NCOP debates and activities, but they do not possess voting rights.

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The NCOP's structure, representing provincial governments rather than the general populace, is unique among world legislatures.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the NCOP represents provincial governments, its structure is similar to many other upper houses in legislatures worldwide and is not unique.

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The Premier of a province must always personally lead their delegation in the NCOP and cannot designate another delegate.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the Premier of a province typically leads their NCOP delegation, they have the flexibility to designate any other delegate to head the delegation in their absence.

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What is the primary role of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) within the South African Parliament?

Answer: To represent the governments of the country's nine provinces.

Explanation: The primary role of the NCOP is to serve as the upper house of Parliament, specifically representing the governments of South Africa's nine provinces.

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Which legislative body did the National Council of Provinces replace in South Africa?

Answer: The Senate of South Africa

Explanation: The National Council of Provinces was established in 1997 to replace the former Senate of South Africa.

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How many delegates comprise the National Council of Provinces in total?

Answer: 90

Explanation: The National Council of Provinces is comprised of ninety delegates, with each of the nine provinces contributing ten delegates.

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What is the breakdown of delegates in a provincial NCOP delegation?

Answer: Six permanent and four special delegates

Explanation: A provincial delegation in the NCOP is specifically composed of six permanent delegates and four special delegates.

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Who is responsible for selecting the permanent delegates to the National Council of Provinces?

Answer: The nine provincial legislatures

Explanation: The permanent delegates to the National Council of Provinces are selected by the respective nine provincial legislatures.

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What is the role of the Premier of a province within their NCOP delegation?

Answer: The Premier leads their province's delegation and is one of the four special delegates.

Explanation: The Premier of a province leads their province's delegation in the NCOP and is included as one of the four special delegates.

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NCOP: Legislative Functions and Procedures

The NCOP has the authority to initiate legislation in policy areas where both national Parliament and provincial legislatures share concurrent legislative power.

Answer: True

Explanation: The NCOP is indeed empowered to initiate legislation in policy areas where both national Parliament and provincial legislatures hold concurrent legislative authority.

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The NCOP utilizes three distinct decision-making mechanisms for different types of bills.

Answer: False

Explanation: The NCOP utilizes four distinct decision-making mechanisms for different types of bills (Section 74, 75, 76, and 77 bills), not three.

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Section 74 bills, which amend Section 1 of the constitution, require approval from at least six of the nine provincial delegations, with each delegation casting one vote.

Answer: True

Explanation: Section 74 bills, particularly those amending Section 1 of the Constitution, require approval from at least six of the nine provincial delegations, with each delegation casting a single vote.

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For Section 75 bills, which follow the process outlined in Section 75 of the Constitution, provincial delegations cast their votes as a block.

Answer: False

Explanation: For Section 75 bills, individual delegates cast their votes, and the bill is approved by a simple majority of these individual votes, not by provincial delegations voting as a block.

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Section 76 bills, related to shared national and provincial legislative powers, require a majority vote from individual delegates for approval.

Answer: False

Explanation: Section 76 bills are decided by a majority vote of provincial delegations, with each delegation casting one vote according to instructions from their provincial legislatures, not by a majority vote of individual delegates.

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Section 77 bills, concerning money appropriation and national taxes, are accepted when a majority of individual delegates vote to approve them.

Answer: True

Explanation: Section 77 bills, which pertain to money appropriation and national taxes, are indeed accepted when a majority of individual delegates vote in favor of their approval.

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The NCOP has the power to reject national bills.

Answer: True

Explanation: The NCOP is explicitly empowered to consider, amend, propose amendments to, or reject national bills.

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What general legislative power does the NCOP possess regarding national bills?

Answer: It can consider, amend, propose amendments to, or reject national bills.

Explanation: The NCOP is empowered to consider, amend, propose amendments to, or reject national bills, reflecting its significant role in the legislative process.

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How many distinct decision-making mechanisms does the NCOP utilize for different types of bills?

Answer: Four

Explanation: The NCOP employs four distinct decision-making mechanisms, each tailored to a specific type of bill (Section 74, 75, 76, and 77 bills).

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How are Section 75 bills approved in the National Council of Provinces?

Answer: By a simple majority of individual delegate votes.

Explanation: Section 75 bills are approved in the NCOP by a simple majority of individual delegate votes.

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For Section 76 bills, how do provincial delegations vote in the NCOP?

Answer: Each delegation holds one vote, cast according to instructions from their provincial legislatures.

Explanation: For Section 76 bills, each provincial delegation casts one vote, which is determined by instructions from their respective provincial legislatures.

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NCOP: Leadership and Key Roles

The office of Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces succeeded the office of Speaker of the National Assembly in 1997.

Answer: False

Explanation: The office of Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces succeeded the office of President of the Senate in 1997, not the Speaker of the National Assembly.

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Mosiuoa Lekota was the first Chairperson of the NCOP, serving a full five-year term from 1997 to 2002.

Answer: False

Explanation: Mosiuoa Lekota was indeed the first Chairperson of the NCOP, but he served from 1997 to 1999, not a full five-year term until 2002.

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The Chief Justice of South Africa is always required to preside over the election of the NCOP Chairperson.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Chief Justice of South Africa presides over the election of the NCOP Chairperson, but they have the authority to designate another judge to do so, meaning it's not always required for the Chief Justice themselves to preside.

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Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane is the current Chairperson of the NCOP, having assumed office in June 2024.

Answer: True

Explanation: Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane is indeed the current Chairperson of the NCOP, having assumed office on June 15, 2024.

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Joyce Kgoali served as the third Chairperson of the NCOP and completed her full term before stepping down.

Answer: False

Explanation: Joyce Kgoali served as the third Chairperson of the NCOP but died in office on November 21, 2004, thus not completing a full term.

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Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu held the longest term as Chairperson of the NCOP, serving for over nine years.

Answer: True

Explanation: Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu indeed served the longest term as Chairperson of the NCOP, holding the position for over nine years (9 years and 125 days).

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The Chairperson of the Committees is responsible for approving the budget and expenditures of the committees.

Answer: True

Explanation: A key responsibility of the Chairperson of the Committees is to approve the budget and expenditures of the committees under their purview.

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Whips in the NCOP primarily focus on drafting new legislation for their respective parties.

Answer: False

Explanation: Whips in the NCOP are primarily responsible for representing their parties' interests and ensuring member discipline, not for drafting new legislation.

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The Chief Whip of the majority party in the NCOP is specifically responsible for the detailed arrangement and management of the legislative business.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Chief Whip of the majority party in the NCOP holds the specific responsibility for the detailed arrangement and management of the legislative business.

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The Leader of the Opposition in the NCOP is elected by all members of the legislature.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Leader of the Opposition in the NCOP is designated as the leader of the largest opposition party within the legislature, not elected by all members.

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Cathlene Labuschagne of the Democratic Alliance has been serving as the Leader of the Opposition in the NCOP since September 2016.

Answer: True

Explanation: Cathlene Labuschagne of the Democratic Alliance has indeed served as the Leader of the Opposition in the NCOP since her election in September 2016.

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Naledi Pandor served as the third Chairperson of the NCOP.

Answer: False

Explanation: Naledi Pandor served as the second Chairperson of the NCOP, from 1999 to 2004, not the third.

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The Chairperson of the NCOP is elected for a four-year term.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Chairperson of the NCOP is elected for a five-year term, not a four-year term.

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Amos Masondo served as the Chairperson of the NCOP from 2019 to 2024.

Answer: True

Explanation: Amos Masondo indeed served as the Chairperson of the NCOP from May 23, 2019, to May 28, 2024.

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Thandi Modise was the Chairperson of the NCOP immediately preceding Amos Masondo.

Answer: True

Explanation: Thandi Modise's term as Chairperson (2014-2019) immediately preceded Amos Masondo's term (2019-2024).

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The NCOP is responsible for chairing all sittings of the National Council of Provinces.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Chairperson of the NCOP, or their designated Deputy or House Chairpersons, is responsible for chairing all sittings of the National Council of Provinces, not the NCOP as a collective entity.

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The Chief Whip of the largest opposition party is one of the two official office bearers among the Whips in the NCOP.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Chief Whip of the majority party and the Chief Whip of the largest opposition party are the two official office bearers among the Whips in the NCOP.

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What office did the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces succeed upon its establishment in 1997?

Answer: President of the Senate

Explanation: Upon its establishment in 1997, the office of Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces succeeded the office of President of the Senate.

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Who was the first Chairperson of the NCOP?

Answer: Mosiuoa Lekota

Explanation: Mosiuoa Lekota served as the inaugural Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces from 1997 to 1999.

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Who presides over the election of the NCOP Chairperson?

Answer: The Chief Justice of South Africa or their designate

Explanation: The election of the NCOP Chairperson is presided over by the Chief Justice of South Africa or a judge designated by them.

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Who is the current Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces as of June 2024?

Answer: Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane

Explanation: As of June 2024, Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane is the current Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces.

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What significant event marked Joyce Kgoali's term as NCOP Chairperson?

Answer: She died in office.

Explanation: Joyce Kgoali's term as NCOP Chairperson was marked by her death in office on November 21, 2004.

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Who held the longest term as Chairperson of the NCOP?

Answer: Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu

Explanation: Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu served the longest term as Chairperson of the NCOP, from 2005 to 2014.

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What is a key responsibility of the Chairperson of the Committees?

Answer: To approve the budget and expenditures of the committees.

Explanation: A key responsibility of the Chairperson of the Committees is to approve the budget and expenditures for the committees they oversee.

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What is the primary function of Whips within the National Council of Provinces?

Answer: To represent their parties' interests and ensure member discipline.

Explanation: The primary function of Whips in the NCOP is to represent their respective parties' interests and maintain discipline among their members.

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Who are the two official office bearers among the Whips in the NCOP?

Answer: The Chief Whip of the majority party and the Chief Whip of the largest opposition party.

Explanation: The two official office bearers among the Whips in the NCOP are the Chief Whip of the majority party and the Chief Whip of the largest opposition party.

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Who currently serves as the Leader of the Opposition in the NCOP?

Answer: Cathlene Labuschagne

Explanation: Cathlene Labuschagne of the Democratic Alliance currently serves as the Leader of the Opposition in the NCOP.

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NCOP: Post-2024 Election Composition

Following the 2024 general elections on 29 May, new provincial legislatures elected their NCOP delegations on 13 and 14 June 2024.

Answer: True

Explanation: New provincial legislatures elected their NCOP delegations on June 13 and 14, 2024, following the general elections on May 29, 2024.

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The first sitting of the NCOP with the newly elected delegations after the 2024 elections occurred on June 1st, 2024.

Answer: False

Explanation: The first sitting of the NCOP with the newly elected delegations after the 2024 elections took place on June 15, 2024, not June 1st.

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After the 2024 elections, the African National Congress (ANC) holds a total of 43 delegates in the NCOP, with more permanent delegates than special delegates.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following the 2024 elections, the African National Congress (ANC) secured 43 delegates in the NCOP, consisting of 24 permanent and 19 special delegates, confirming more permanent than special delegates.

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The Democratic Alliance (DA) has a total of 20 delegates in the NCOP, with an equal number of permanent and special delegates.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Democratic Alliance (DA) has 20 delegates in the NCOP, but they are composed of 12 permanent and 8 special delegates, not an equal number.

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The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have 10 delegates in the NCOP, with the majority being permanent delegates.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) hold 10 delegates in the NCOP, with 8 permanent delegates and 2 special delegates, indicating a majority of permanent delegates.

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UMkhonto WeSizwe (MK) has 9 delegates in the NCOP, with 5 permanent and 4 special delegates.

Answer: True

Explanation: UMkhonto WeSizwe (MK) has 9 delegates in the NCOP, specifically 5 permanent and 4 special delegates, as stated in the delegate breakdown.

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The Freedom Front Plus (VF+) has a total of 2 delegates in the NCOP, consisting of one permanent and one special delegate.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Freedom Front Plus (VF+) has a total of 2 delegates in the NCOP, both of whom are permanent delegates, with no special delegates.

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The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has a total of 2 delegates in the NCOP, equally split between permanent and special delegates.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has a total of 2 delegates in the NCOP, comprising one permanent delegate and one special delegate, thus an equal split.

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ActionSA has one permanent delegate in the NCOP.

Answer: False

Explanation: ActionSA has one special delegate in the NCOP, not a permanent delegate.

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The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has two permanent delegates in the NCOP.

Answer: False

Explanation: The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has one permanent delegate in the NCOP, not two.

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When did the new provincial legislatures elect their NCOP delegations following the 2024 general elections?

Answer: 13 and 14 June 2024

Explanation: Following the 2024 general elections, the new provincial legislatures elected their NCOP delegations on June 13 and 14, 2024.

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What was the total number of delegates for the African National Congress (ANC) in the NCOP after the 2024 elections?

Answer: 43

Explanation: After the 2024 elections, the African National Congress (ANC) holds a total of 43 delegates in the NCOP.

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How many permanent delegates does the Democratic Alliance (DA) have in the NCOP?

Answer: 12

Explanation: The Democratic Alliance (DA) has 12 permanent delegates in the NCOP.

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Which party has 8 permanent delegates and 2 special delegates in the NCOP?

Answer: Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)

Explanation: The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have a total of 10 delegates in the NCOP, comprising 8 permanent delegates and 2 special delegates.

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Which party has 1 permanent delegate and 1 special delegate in the NCOP?

Answer: Patriotic Alliance (PA)

Explanation: The Patriotic Alliance (PA) has a total of 2 delegates in the NCOP, consisting of 1 permanent delegate and 1 special delegate.

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South African Provincial Demographics

According to the 2022 census, Gauteng province had the largest population among all South African provinces.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 2022 census data confirms that Gauteng province had the largest population among all South African provinces, with 15,099,422 residents.

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The Northern Cape province had the smallest population in South Africa according to the 2022 census.

Answer: True

Explanation: According to the 2022 census, the Northern Cape province indeed had the smallest population in South Africa, with 1,355,946 residents.

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The total population of South Africa according to the 2022 census was approximately 55 million.

Answer: False

Explanation: The total population of South Africa, according to the 2022 census, was 62,027,503, which is approximately 62 million, not 55 million.

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Despite varying population sizes, each province has the same population per delegate in the NCOP due to equal representation.

Answer: False

Explanation: While each province has an equal number of delegates (ten) in the NCOP, their varying population sizes mean that the population per delegate differs significantly across provinces, not remaining the same.

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The 2022 census population for KwaZulu-Natal was over 15 million.

Answer: False

Explanation: According to the 2022 census, the population of KwaZulu-Natal was 12,423,907, which is less than 15 million.

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What was the 2022 census population for the Gauteng province?

Answer: 15,099,422

Explanation: According to the 2022 census, the population of Gauteng province was 15,099,422.

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What was the total population of South Africa according to the 2022 census?

Answer: 62,027,503

Explanation: The 2022 census reported the total population of South Africa as 62,027,503.

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What is the population per delegate for KwaZulu-Natal in the NCOP, based on the 2022 census?

Answer: 1,242,390.7

Explanation: Based on the 2022 census, the population per delegate for KwaZulu-Natal in the NCOP is 1,242,390.7.

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What was the 2022 census population for the Eastern Cape province?

Answer: 7,230,204

Explanation: The 2022 census reported the population of the Eastern Cape province as 7,230,204.

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What is the population per delegate for the Northern Cape in the NCOP, based on the 2022 census?

Answer: 135,594.6

Explanation: Based on the 2022 census, the population per delegate for the Northern Cape in the NCOP is 135,594.6.

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