Hansard: NA Virtual Plenary: Election of Speaker
House: National Assembly
Date of Meeting: 19 Aug 2021
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Minutes
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
THURSDAY, 19 AUGUST 2021
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Watch video here: Election of Speaker
Members assembled in the Chamber of the National Assembly at 11:00.
The Acting Speaker took the Chair and requested members to observe a moment of silence for prayers or meditation.
The Acting Speaker further requested members to observe a moment of silence in memory of members who have passed on.
The Acting Speaker invited the Honourable Judge President John Hlophe, to preside over the election of the Speaker.
The Judge President took the Chair.
The Judge President stated that the meeting had been convened in terms of section 51(1) of the Constitution.
RULES FOR ELECTION OF OFFICE BEARERS
The Judge President announced that Rules, as contemplated in item 9 of Part A of Schedule 3 to the Constitution, had been made available to members.
APPOINTMENT OF RETURNING OFFICERS
The Judge President further announced the appointment of Ms P N Tyawa as Returning Officer, and as Assistant Returning Officers, Mr M Xaso, Mr T R Maleeme, Mr M H Plaatjies, Adv V P Ngaleka, Ms T V Lyons, Mr A T Nage, Adv A A Ephraim, Ms R Thinda, Adv N Mongo, Mr P Hahndiek, Mr F J Basson, Ms N C Manjezi and Mr G Matakane.
ELECTION OF SPEAKER
The House proceeded to the election of a Speaker of the National Assembly.
The Judge President reminded members that nominations had to be submitted in the prescribed form and duly seconded.
The Judge President informed members that in terms of item 4 of Part A of Schedule 3 to the Constitution no debate would be allowed.
The Judge President called for nominations.
Ms Pemmy Castelina Pamela Majodina, seconded by Ms Lindiwe Daphne Zulu nominated Ms Nosiviwe Noluthando Mapisa-Nqakula for election as Speaker of the National Assembly.
The Returning Officer reported to the Judge President that the nomination paper had been properly completed.
Ms Natasha Wendy Anita Mazzone, seconded by Mr John Henry Steenhuisen, nominated Dr Annelie Lotriet for election as Speaker of the National Assembly.
The Returning Officer reported to the Judge President that the nomination paper had been properly completed.
There being more than one candidate nominated, the Judge President announced that a secret ballot would take place in terms of item 6 of Part A of Schedule 3 to the Constitution and suspended proceedings for preparation of ballot papers.
Dr C P MULDER: Hon Judge? Chairperson?
The JUDGE PRESIDENT (Mr Y J M Hlophe): Dr Mulder, yes?
Dr C P MULDER: We have taken note that the ANC and the DA have nominated their candidates, but I ask that you call if there are any further nominations.
The JUDGE PRESIDENT (Mr Y J M Hlophe): Thank you, Dr Mulder. Are there any further nominations in addition to the two? Any further nominations, hon members, in addition to the two?
Clearly there is no further nominations. Where is the hand? Alright, at the back. The gentleman right at the back. Sorry I can’t ... [Inaudible.]
AN HON MEMBER: I propose closure of nominations.
The JUDGE PRESIDENT (Mr Y J M Hlophe): There are no further nominations. I have been assured ... [Inaudible.] ... There is a gentleman raising their hand. Mr Singh? Yes, Mr Singh?
Mr N SINGH: Hon Judge President, I am not going to nominate anybody, but I think that it is important for the South African public to know, although we had a discussion in the Whippery and the Programming Committee, that this is a physical sitting and those who are on virtual will not have an opportunity to vote in this particular process. I think that
announcement needs to come from the Chair, Judge President. Thank you.
The JUDGE PRESIDENT (Mr Y J M Hlophe): There is another hand up in the gallery. Can we get sound, please?
Mr X NQOLA: Justice Hlophe, I stand to second the proposal that nominations be closed. Thank you.
The JUDGE PRESIDENT (Mr Y J M Hlophe): Thank you very much. I take it that there are no further nominations. May I just state the following: I have been assured by the returning officers that nominations are in order, and I assume that the candidates who have now been nominated dully accept the nominations.
May I also announce that only members who are present here will be able to vote at the end of the exercise. That is my understanding.
There being more than one candidate nominated, the Chief Justice announced that a secret ballot would take place in terms of item 6 of Part A of Schedule 3 to the Constitution and suspended proceedings for preparation of ballot papers.
Business suspended at 11:15.
The JUDGE PRESIDENT (Mr Y J M Hlophe): Before we adjourned, I indicated that hon Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula accepted the nomination and signed it. I have now had sight of the document. She was properly nominated. The nomination was signed by hon Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula. Similarly, in respect of Dr Annelie Lotriet, she was duly nominated and properly signed the nomination. I am satisfied that both nominations are ... [Inaudible.] ... We shall now proceed to voting.
VOTING:
Assistant Returning Officers will now show that the ballot boxes are empty and close them.
Hon members, the procedure now going forward is as follows: According to the Rules for the conduct of this meeting in terms of item 9 of Part A of Schedule 3 of the Constitution, one ballot paper with the official mark must be issued to every member present and eligible to vote at this meeting.
Members will be called in alphabetical order according to their surnames, starting with the members seated in the National Assembly chamber, followed by those seated in the gallery, and then committee room E249. When their names are
called, members must collect a ballot paper from the voting table. After collecting a ballot paper, each member must proceed to one of the ballot booths and must record his or her vote by placing a cross against the name of the candidate for whom he or she desires to vote in the space provided on the ballot paper for recording of a vote.
After making the mark on the ballot paper, and whilst still in the booth, members must fold their ballot paper in such a manner that the official mark thereon is visible to the Assistant Returning Officer at the ballot box. After the Assistant Returning Officer has noted the official mark on the ballot paper, members should deposit it in the ballot box and resume their seats in their designated seating areas. The Returning Officer will now call upon members to vote.
The House proceeded to the secret ballot for the election of the Speaker of the National Assembly.
Abrahams, P N; Adoons, N G; August, S N; Basson, L J; Bergman, D; Bilankulu, N K; Boroto, M G; Breytenbach, G; Brink, C; Buthelezi, N S;
The JUDGE PRESIDENT (Mr Y J M Hlophe): Hon members, I have been asked by Mr Xaso, the Assistant Returning Officer to indicate that three members asked to be permitted to vote out of 10 due to an emergency. So, their names will be called out of 10. Thank you, Mr Xaso.
Cachalia, G K Y; Cardo, M J; Cebekhulu, R N; Cele, B H; Chabane, M S; Creecy, B D; De Freitas, M S F; Didiza, A T; Direko, D R; Dirks, M A; Mlenzana, Z; Mabuza, D D; Xasa, F D; Dlakude, D E; Dlulane, B N; Dunjwa, M L; Dyantyi, Q R; Frolick, C T; Galo, M P; George, D T; Graham, S J; Groenewald, P J; Gumbu, T T; Gungubele, M; Gwarube, S; Hendricks, M G E; Hermans, J; Hill-Lewis, G G; Hlengwa, M D; Holomisa, B H; Jacobs, F; James, T H; Joemat-Pettersson, T M; Joko, B; Julius, J W W; Khanyile, T A; King, C V; Kohler, D; Koornhof, G W; Kubayi, M T; Kubheka, N J; Lees, R A; Lesoma, R M M; Lotriet, A; Luzipo, S; Maake, J J; Mabe, B P; Macpherson, D W; Madisha, W M; Magaxa, K E; Magwanishe, G; Mahambehlala, T; Mahlaule, M G; Mahumapelo, S O R; Majodina, P C P; Majola, T R; Majozi, Z; Makhubela-Mashele, L S; Mamabolo, J B; Mandela, Z M D; Maneli, B M; Mantashe, S G; Mapisa-Nqakula, N N; Marais, S J F; Masango, B S; Mashego, M R; Mashele, T V; Masiko, F A; Maswanganyi, M J; Mazzone, N W A; Mbalula, F A; Mbhele, Z N; Mbinqo-Gigaba, B P; Mcdonald, L E; Mcgluwa, J J;
Mchunu, E S; Meshoe, K R J; Mhlongo, T W; Mileham, K J; Mjobo, L N; Mkhatshwa, N T; Modise, M; Modise, P M P; Modise, T R; Moela, D L; Motshekga, M S; Mpanza, T S; Msimang, C T; Mulder, C P; Mulder, F J; Munyai, T B; Muthambi, A F; Mahlalela, A F; Mbatha, S G N; Ndaba, C N; Ndabeni-Abrahams, S T; Newhoudt- Druchen, W S; Nkomo, Z; Nkosi, B S; Nkosi, D M; Nodada, B B; Ntobongwana, N; Ntombela, M L D; Ntshavheni, K P S; Nzuza, N B; Pandor, G N M; Papo, A H M; Phaahla, M J; Powell, E L; Qayiso, X S; Radebe, B A; Seabi, A M; Semenya, M R; Singh, N; Sisulu, L N; Sithole, K P; Siwela, V S; Shaik Emam, A M; Skwatsha, M; Somyo, S S; Steenhuisen, J H; Steyn, A; Stock, D M; Swart, S N; Tlhape, M M E; Tsenoli, S L; Tshabalala, J; Tshwete, P; Van Der Walt, D; Walters, T C R; Wessels, W W; Whitfield, A G; Xaba, V C; Zungula, V; Zulu, L D; Zwane, M J;
Hon members called from the officials’ bay:
Bagraim, M; Bapela, K O; Chikunga, L S; Denner, H; Dlamini, S M; Magadzi, D P; Masipa, N P; Mbabama, T M; Mhaule, M R; Mkhize, H B; Motshekga, M A; Mthethwa, E N; Nkoana-Mashabane, M E; Nxesi, T W T; Nzimande, B E; Schreiber, L A; Thring, W M; Van Minnen, B M;
Hon members called from the public gallery:
Motsoaledi, P A; Abrahams, A L A; April, H G; Boshoff, W J; Botes, A; Burns-Ncamashe, Z; Chetty, M; Clarke, M O; Cuthbert, M J; De Villiers, J N; Dhlomo, S M; Dlamini, N E; Faber, W F; Faku, P; Gantsho, N; Gela, A; Gomba, M M; Groenewald, I M; Gumbi, H S; Gumede, S N; Hadebe, B M; Havard, X; Hicklin, M B; Mhlongo, A S; Holomisa, S P; Horn, W; Hunsinger, C H H; Jacobs, K L; Jeffery, J H; Kekana, P S; Khalipha, T D; Kruger, H C C; Kula, S M; Kwankwa, N L S; Lamola, R O; Legwase, T I; Letsie, W T; Lorimer, J R B; Lubengo, M L; Mabhena, T B; Mahlatsi, K D; Mahlo, N P; Majola, F Z; Makhubele, P P; Malatji, T; Malinga, V T; Malomane, V P; Manamela, K B; Mananiso, J S; Mangcu, L N; Marawu, T L; Masondo, D; Mathafa, O M; Mathebula, E F; Mbuyane, S H; Mchunu, T V B; Mdabe, S W; Mkhwanazi, J C N; Moatshe, R M; Mmutle, T N; Molala, L E; Molekwa, M A; Moroatshehla, P R; Moss, L N; Morolong, I K; Motaung, A; Motaung, N E; Mpumza, G G; Mpushe, P T; Myeni, E T; Ngcobo, S; Nqola, X; Opperman, G; Patrein, S; Phillips, C; Pillay, K B; Ramolobeng, A; Roos, A C; Seitlholo, I S; Shabalala, L F; Shelembe, M L; Sibisi, C H M; Siwela, E K; Skosana, G J; Spies, E R J; Sukers, M E; Swarts, B; Terblanche, O S; Tlhomelang, K B; Tseke, G K; Tseki, M A; Tshwete, B; Van Dyk, V; Van Staden, P A; Weber, A M M; Wilson, E R; Yabo, B S; Zondi, M A;
Hon members being called from committee room E249:
Adams, R C; Beukes, A J; Bilankulu, J H; Bodlani, T; Bryant, D W; Capa, N; Dlodlo, A; Engelbrecht, J; Gina, N; Gondwe, M M; Hinana, N E; Joseph, D; Kibi, M T; Kiviet, N; Kopane, S P; Mabiletsa, M D; Mafu, N N; Mahlobo, M D; Makwetla, S P; Manganye, J; Mapulane, M P; Maseko-Jele, N H; Mashego-Dlamini, K C; Masondo, T S; Masualle, G P; Mathale, C C; Moloi, B E; Mthembu, A H; Mvana, N Q; Nontsele, M; Ntuli, M M; Peacock, N P; Peters, E D; Pilane-Majake, M C C; Ramadwa, M M; Sibiya, D P; Sihlwayi, N N; Siweya, R T; Sokatsha, M S; Sotyu, M M; Stubbe, D J; Tarabella-Marchesi, N I; Tolashe, N G; Van Schalkwyk, S R; Winkler, H S; Wolmarans, M J; Xego, S T; Zuma, A S; Zungu, T R.
The Judge President announced that business would be suspended to allow the votes to be counted.
Business suspended at 13:49 and resumed at 14:48
The Judge President took the Chair.
The JUDGE PRESIDENT (Mr Y J M Hlophe): Hon members, I have received a written report from the Returning Officer Ms Tyawa
who is also the Acting Secretary to Parliament. I can assure you that everything was done, double-checked and were reconciled. All of that was done in my presence and the Returning Officer.
The Judge President announced the results of the ballot as follows:
Ballot papers issued: 298.
Ballots counted: 298.
Invalid ballot papers: 17.
Ms Nosiviwe Noluthando Mapisa-Nqakula:199.
Dr Annelie Lotriet: 82.
Ms Nosiviwe Noluthando Mapisa-Nqakula, accordingly, elected as Speaker of the National Assembly.
The Judge President, on behalf of all present, congratulated Ms Nosiviwe Noluthando Mapisa Nqakula on her election as Speaker and requested her to take the Chair.
The Acting Serjeant-at-Arms conducted the Speaker to the Chair and placed the mace in its position.
ACCEPTANCE SPEECH BY NEW NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SPEAKER
The SPEAKER: Acting Chief Justice here, Judge Hlophe, hon members of our National Assembly, members of the executive of our Republic, fellow South Africans, this is particularly ... [Interjections.] ... Order! [Interjections.] I am sorry. Order please! Order hon members! Order please! ... an emotional occasion for me seated among you in the benches during the proceedings and election. I sincerely felt humbled to be nominated as a candidate for the position of Speaker of this august House.
I also felt great pride, both as a member of this House and as a South African observing the exercise of democracy during these proceedings with all the parties, big and small, fully utilising the opportunity and space to nominate and vote freely for candidates of their choice for the position of Speaker. It is upon this foundation that Parliament has continued to stand as the foremost custodian and protector of our democracy. It is important that this foundation of true democratic participation should never be compromised for
personal whim or narrow party-political interests. All our people represented wholly by the members deployed from various parties in this Parliament should always feel comfortable that all their interests – however diverse - will have due consideration here and have confidence in Parliament’s role as the last line in the defence of our hard-earned democracy.
I return – of course – to be part of the collective leadership of this national legislature after what can be considered a long stay within the executive branch of the government. I, therefore, fully appreciate hon members, the extent of the transition I must personally make in order to fulfil my obligations and those of this House to ensure accountability and oversight of the executive branch. Having said that, I also recognise that for us to succeed as a country, all three branches of the state should function in a collaborative manner while exercising their distinct functions and roles without impediment.
It is also my desire to better collaborate between parties especially in advancing issues affectional the national interests of our country. I think South Africa should also celebrate the fact that for the fifth time since the dawn of our democracy a woman has been elected as Speaker thereby
demonstrating the confidence our country has shown in women leadership and their abilities. That on its own makes an important statement about our commitment to the struggle of the advancement of women and the defeat of patriarchy in our society, especially during this Women’s Month.
Hon members, our tasks, and my task, in particular, are well cut out for us. The circumstances under which we hold this special session are a clear demonstration of how the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic has changed both the functioning of Parliament and the lives of our people out there. The pandemic is driving us to change from our normal as we strive both to have our country functioning while we also ensure that we save lives.
In this regard, it is absolutely important that we find new and effective ways of working even as the legislators saw that our obligation to ensure accountability, oversight, especially during this pandemic, is not compromised not even a bit. We are already almost halfway in the sixth term of Parliament and indeed history will judge us harshly should we end this term having failed to make a meaningful impact on improving the lives and a lot of our people. I extend a hand of co-operation to each member and each of the political parties represented
in this House and pledge to protect the integrity and the mandate of the House, together with each one of you, without fear or favour. [Applause.] I would like to thank my party, the ANC, for the confidence they have shown in me by nominating me as a candidate for the Speaker position. I will never take your confidence for granted and never betray the people of South Africa. [Applause.]
Chief Justice Hlophe, thank you very much for making yourself available to preside over today’s proceedings despite your immensely busy schedule especially as you wrap up the important work of your commission. I also want to thank the Acting Secretary to Parliament and the staff of Parliament for the diligent work they have done in preparing for this special sitting.
I would like to thank the ANC and the three successive leaders of the executive, former President Mbeki, former President Jacob Zuma and the current President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, for the confidence and opportunities that they gave me to serve in the executive in various capacities over the past years. It has both been an honour and privilege to be in service.
I pledge to use my tenure as Speaker to foster greater co- operation and ensure fair leadership within this House. I am committed to the full provisions of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and the Rules of the National Assembly.
IsiXhosa: Ndiyabulela. Enkosi
Setswana:
Ke a leboga.
English:
Thank you very much.
Afrikaans:
Baie dankie.
The House adjourned at 15:00.
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