The National Assembly announced on Thursday the election of former Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula as the new Speaker of Parliament.

A plenary sitting was held in Parliament on Thursday to fill the position after former Speaker Thandi Modise was appointed as the new Defence and Military Veterans Minister in President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Cabinet reshuffle earlier this month.

This is the second time in democratic South Africa that a new Speaker has been elected outside of a general election, the last time being when former Speaker Baleka Mbete’s first term ended prematurely in 2008 so that she could become Deputy President to Kgalema Motlanthe.

Gwen Mahlangu-Nkabinde became the country’s third Speaker until the 2009 elections.

Judge President of the Western Cape High Court John Hlophe presided over the proceedings of the House.

African National Congress (ANC) Chief Whip Pemmy Majodina nominated Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula as the ANC’s candidate, and was seconded by Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu.

Democratic Alliance (DA) Chief Whip Natasha Mazzone nominated her party’s Parliamentary Caucus chairperson Dr Annelie Lotriet with DA leader John Steenhuisen supporting Lotriet’s nomination.

The Economic Freedom Fighters did not participate in the election of the Speaker, saying it would not participate in “rubber-stamping Ramaphosa’s violation of the separation of power”.

The total number of votes were 298, with Mapisa-Nqakula receiving 199 votes, while Lotriet received 82. Seventeen votes were spoiled.

GREATER COOPERATION AND FAIR LEADERSHIP

“This is particularly an emotional occasion for me, seated amongst you in those benches during the proceedings and the elections. I sincerely felt humbled to have been nominated as the candidate for the position of the Speaker of this august House. I also felt great pride both as a member of this House and as a South African, observing the excise of democracy during this proceedings,” Mapisa-Nqakula said.

She extended a hand of cooperation to each Member of Parliament and to all political parties represented in Parliament, also pledging to protect the integrity and the mandate of the House.

She thanked the ANC for the confidence the party showed in nominating her.

“I will never take your confidence for granted and never betray the people of South Africa,” she stated.

Mapisa-Nqakula also assured she would use her tenure as Speaker to foster greater cooperation and ensure fair leadership within the House, adding that she is committed to the full provision of the country’s Constitution and the rules of the National Assembly.