Kempton resident reappointed as Deputy Speak of Gauteng Legislature

Kempton Park resident Refiloe Nt’sekhe was re-elected deputy speaker of the Gauteng Legislature for the seventh administration.

Her election came with the election of Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Speaker Morakane Mosupye.

This milestone marks a new chapter in her career, which has spanned over a decade as a member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL).

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It is a huge honour to be re-elected but an even bigger honour because I was given this big responsibility, not only by the DA but by voters who want us to fix our country,” said Nt’sekhe.

“I am incredibly humbled and want to show that politicians can deliver, have excellence and are without corruption.”

Nt’sekhe has a master’s degree in policy development and practice, a BA in politics and philosophy and a post-graduate diploma in marketing. She also has a certificate in small business management and one in social media management. She earned all her degrees at the University of Cape Town (UCT).

She also has a diploma in public relations from Damelin.

During her years at UCT, she was a national executive member of SALSA (South African Liberal Students Association) in the 1990s and joined the DA in 2001.

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After qualifying at university, she held various marketing positions in corporations, including The Foschini Group, Capespan, SAA, Absa and the SABC.

In 2009, Nt’sekhe was appointed the DA’s national director of the Leaders in Extractives and African Development programme, which increased communication with voters in traditional ANC support areas.

She left this position when she became the councillor for Ward 24 in Ekurhuleni in 2011.

In 2012, while still a councillor, she was appointed as the DA’s Gauteng provincial spokesperson.

After the May 2014 elections, she was elected as a member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature and became the Shadow MEC for Social Development and a member of the Health Portfolio.

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She is also the DA political head for Kempton Park and Thembisa.

In the same year, politically, she was also elected the deputy federal chairperson of the DA and the national spokesperson. She served in the position for nine years.

She is known around Kempton Park and Thembisa communities and schools for giving talks on human trafficking, a subject she is passionate about.

Her work fighting for Kempton and Tembisa hospitals in the legislature has also helped her stand out.

As the deputy speaker of Gauteng, Nt’sekhe’s priorities are clear – ensuring a healthy work environment, helping staff members serve Gauteng residents, and, ultimately, delivering a well-oiled government that serves its people.

Nt’sekhe’s previous working relationship with the speaker bodes well for this collaboration.

“The speaker and I have previously worked together when she was chair of Social Development and even when she became the MEC of Social Development. We had a good working relationship then, and we will build on that,” said Nt’sekhe.

“In addition, the key requirements of the GNU agreements will guide us. Balancing party issues – we will be guided by the GNU agreements,” said Nt’sekhe.

“We will focus on transparency and accountability. Our work is not public-facing now, but we must ensure the back end is strong.

“Our reports will go to the house, where we will show our transparency and accountability.”

Nt’sekhe said she plans to make the legislature an amazing organisation to work for that will attract the best talent available in Gauteng and SA.

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“In doing so, the legislature will give our politicians the best support so that, in turn, they service our Gauteng communities.”

As a Kempton Park resident, her election garnered widespread acclaim.

Her ward councillor, Desmond McKenzie, praised her dedication, excellence, and commitment to serving the community, expressing pride in her achievements and offering continued support.

“We extend our congratulations to this remarkable woman, who has an impressive reputation in Kempton Park and demonstrated her unwavering dedication to achieving excellence and serving the South African people,” said McKenzie.

“She has consistently been a valuable support pillar to Kempton and Thembisa residents. Her steadfast commitment to addressing community concerns is commendable, and she is a hard worker.”

McKenzie said they are proud of her and her achievements.

“The country is going through a challenging time and needs true leaders and unwavering dedication to take it forward.

“Refiloe is just this person as she takes up her responsibilities and challenges in her new office,” added McKenzie.