Baleka Mbete, previously known as Baleka Mbete-Kgositsile, was elected unopposed to the position of Speaker in the National Assembly on Friday.
Gwendoline Lindiwe (Gwen) Mahlangu was elected as the Deputy Speaker, succeeding Mbete.
Former speaker Frene Ginwala was sitting in the public gallery — an indication that she would not be taking up her seat in the National Assembly.
Ginwala’s former staff did not confirm that she would not be sworn in as a MP but it was clear from her presence in the gallery — wearing a navy blue outfit — that she would not be taking a seat in the National Assembly.
This would also scotch speculation that she would take up a post in the Pan African Parliament as she would have to be a member of the South African Parliament to take up a political position there.
Shortly after Chief Justice Arthur Chaskalson congratulated Mbete, she said she took up the post ”with great humility”. She also took the opportunity of acknowledging Ginwala’s work. Taking stock of the 10 years of non-racial democracy, Mbete said Ginwala ”was part of it all. I salute you.”
Mahlangu, the outgoing chairperson of the environment portfolio committee, was also elected unopposed. She also said she had been ”humbled” and was grateful for the confidence shown in her.
”I commit myself to serve this house and my country,” she said.
MPs being sworn in
The process of swearing in of MPs was in full swing in the National Assembly midday on Friday.
The first batch of MPs was headed by President Thabo Mbeki, Deputy President Jacob Zuma, Foreign Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, African National Youth leader Molisi Gigaba, new Speaker Baleka Mbete, Finance Minister Trevor Manuel and Deputy Home Affairs Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota, who is national chairperson of the African National Congress.
Opposition leaders Tony Leon, Inkatha Freedom Party leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi, United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa, Independent Democrats leader Patricia de Lille and New National Party leader Marthinus van Schalkwyk have already been installed.
Flanking Mbeki, who is expected to be re-elected later this afternoon, was Zuma, followed by Mbete, Manuel and Dlamini-Zuma.
Next to the Democratic Alliance’s Leon was Joe Seremane and Sheila Camerer in the official opposition front-benches. Next along the line was outgoing Home Affairs Minister Buthelezi and outgoing Correctional Services Minister Ben Skosana, both from the Inkatha Freedom Party. Holomisa and De Lille were in the next front benches. — I-Net Bridge
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