WATCH: ANC’s Thoko Didiza elected speaker of the National Assembly

The African National Congress’ (ANC) Thoko Didiza has been elected speaker of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) after defeating the Economic Freedom Fighters’ Veronica Mente by 284 votes to 49.

ANC MP Pemmy Majodina nominated Didiza for speaker while Mente was nominated by African Transformation Movement (ATM) leader Vuyolwethu Zungula.

Didiza trounced Mente in a secret ballot, all under the careful watch of Chief Justice Raymond Zondo at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Friday.

Watch Thoko Didiza elected as National Assembly speaker

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Results

Announcing the results, Zondo said there had been 9 spoiled ballots.

“Of those nine, eight was spoilt and one was invalid.”

Earlier, Zondo acceded to a request from the EFF that the counting of the votes for the election of the speaker be observed by political parties represented in Parliament.

Fairness

Didiza is taking over from outgoing speaker Lechesa Tsenoli, who is not returning to Parliament.

Didiza who is no stranger to running parliament – having served as a house chairperson in the fifth administration said she is honoured to be elected.

“I would like to thank all of you as members who have participated in the democratic process of electing the speaker of the National Assembly in the seventh Parliament of the Republic of South Africa.”

Didiza said Parliament is an important institution and MPs must ensure they do their work as legislators in the interest of the people, committing to fulfil the role of Speaker with fairness.

“I commit to work with all parties and their representatives.”

Deputy speaker

Nominations for deputy speaker were African Transformation Movement (ATM) leader Vuyo Zungula nominated by the EFF and DA MP Annelie Lotriet nominated by the DA.

Lotriet was elected.

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