IFP's Govender elected as NCOP deputy chairperson

CAPE TOWN - Following weeks of delays, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP)'s Poobalan Govender has been elected as deputy chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP).

Govender becomes the NCOP's first deputy from the opposition benches following negotiations among members of the Government of National Unity (GNU).

The election happened during a busy day in Parliament, which also saw the likes of John Hlophe getting the nod to serve on the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) by the National Assembly.
 
Weeks of delays have finally culminated in Govender’s election as the permanent deputy of the NCOP.

Govender is now second-in-command in the NCOP, as he takes up his new role as Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane's new deputy.

He takes over from Sylvia Lucas, who now serves in the National Assembly.

Making his maiden speech, Govender said he was up to the task.

"As I step into this new role, I am acutely aware of the weighty responsibility that it carries. Our nation faces formidable challenges."

The NCOP also elected the Democratic Alliance (DA)'s Dennis Ryder as a House chairperson responsible for committees. 

Cedric Frolick was also confirmed as a National Assembly House chairperson as well as another IFP MP, Zandile Majozi.