DA's Lotriet pitted against ATM's Zungula for Deputy Speaker
Thoko Didiza thanked parties from across the political divide for supporting her nomination as the new government of national unity starts to take shape.
The first sitting of Parliament following the May elections will be held at the CTICC in Cape Town on 14 June 2024. Picture: Lindsay Dentlinger/Eyewitness News
CAPE TOWN - With outgoing Agriculture minister Thoko Didiza having taken the chair as the newly-elected Speaker of the National Assembly, the vote for her deputy is now underway.
Ballots are now being prepared for the battle between the Democratic Alliance's (DA) Annelie Lotriet and the African Transformation Movement's (ATM) Vuyo Zungula.
The new partnership between the African National Congress, Democratic Alliance and the Inkatha Freedom Party saw Didiza beat the Economic Freedom Fighters’ Veronica Mente by 284 votes to 49.
Didiza is no stranger to running parliament, having served as a House Chairperson in the fifth administration.
WATCH: Thoko Didiza appointed new National Assembly Speaker
She thanked parties from across the political divide for supporting her nomination as the new government of national unity starts to take shape.
"I also commit that I will work with all the parties led by their whips and representatives to make sure we conduct the business of this parliament in a manner that indeed reflects the will of the people of South Africa," said Didiza.
Didiza will preside over the election of her deputy.
It will be the first time since the National Party's Bhadra Ranchod was elected in May 1994 as part of a government of national unity that a deputy speaker does not come from the ANC.
DA'S LOTRIET PITTED AGAINST ATM'S ZUNGULA FOR DEPUTY SPEAKER
Ballots are now being prepared for the battle between the DA’s Annelie Lotriet and the ATM’s Vuyo Zungula.