Former Defense Minister now elected as National Assembly Speaker
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Photo: twitter
In just less than a month after cabinet reshuffle by President Matamela Ramaphosa.
Former Defence and Military Veterans Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has now been elected as the new Speaker of the National Assembly.
Up against official opposition party Democratic Alliance’s candidate Dr Annelie Lotriet MP, Mapisa-Nqakula got the override majority with over 190 votes as opposed to just less than 90 to Dr Lotriet.
The voting took place by secret ballot by Members of Parliament on Thursday.
Addressing the National Assembly sitting for the first time as Speaker on Thursday afternoon, Mapisa-Nqakula said being initially nominated left her “emotional and humbled”.
“I return of course to be part of a collective leadership of this national legislature after what can be considered a long stay within the executive branch of government. I therefore fully appreciate the extent of the transition that I must personally make in order to fulfil my obligations and those of this House, to ensure the accountability and oversight of the executive branch,” she said.
More like a swap of positions, Mapisa-Nqakula replaces Mme Thandi Modise who was elected the Speaker of the National Assembly on 22 May 2019 until 5th August 2021.
She was now recently appointed to be the National Defense Minister by President Ramaphosa.
