Saturday, June 15, 2024

Thoko Didiza elected as Speaker of the National Assembly

ANC national executive committee member, Thoko Didiza, was elected as the new Speaker of the National Assembly.

PHOTO: Thoko Didiza, newly elected Speaker of National Assembly


Didiza, who, until Friday, served as the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development. She was nominated by the party’s outgoing chief whip, Pemmy Majodina.

Didiza came up against the EFF’s national chairperson Veronica Mente, Didiza received 284 votes, while Mente received only 49.

Didiza commended Members of Parliament from across the political divide for supporting her nomination, as the new government of national unity starts to take shape, and for participating in the democratic process of electing the Speaker.

“As a country and a democratic State, we have an opportunity to express our views, representing our constituencies, and we have to elect and participate in such process.’’

She emphasised that Parliament is an important institution of the country, where members have to pass laws and ensure that they play an oversight role on the Executive.

“I also commit that I will work with all the parties, led by their whips and representatives to make sure that we conduct the business of this parliament in a manner that indeed reflects the will of the people of South Africa,” Didiza said.

Didiza presided over the election of her Deputy, which was contested by African Transformation Movement (ATM) leader, Vuyolwethu Zungula, and the Democratic Alliance's Annelie Lotriet. She received 273 votes, and Zungula received 54 votes.

PHOTO: Annelie Lotriet, Deputy Speaker of National Assembly


The first sitting of the National Assembly took place after the General Election on 29 May. The day’s proceedings started with the swearing in of Members of Parliament, who either took an oath or affirmation that enjoins them to be faithful to the Republic of South Africa, and to obey, respect and uphold the Constitution and all other laws of the Republic.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

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