Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly is DA's Annelie Lotriet

CAPE TOWN – The Democratic Alliance (DA)’s Annelie Lotriet has pledged to make the seventh Parliament the best.

She becomes the first Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly not from the African National Congress (ANC) in 30 years.

This took place on Friday, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

Lotriet - a respected member of her party who has served as the party’s caucus chairperson and deputy chief whip - received a standing ovation from both her party and the ANC.

This took place shortly after the result was announced.

She beat the African Transformation Movement (ATM)’s Vuyo Zungula by 273 votes to 54 as part of an agreement with the ANC to form a Government of National Unity.

“This is a tremendous honour and privilege, as well as a great responsibility that has been bestowed on me. This is a position that I do not take lightly and I fully understand the trust that has been placed in me,” said Lotriet when she expressed her gratitude.

The House began the process of nominating candidates for president.