Cape Town – Democratic Alliance MP Annelie Lotriet has said that her new role as Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly is a significant responsibility.
This comes after the ANC and DA, along with the Patriotic Alliance, GOOD, and IFP, formed a Government of National Unity (GNU).
ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the GNU after failing to secure an outright majority in the recent election.
Lotriet was elected Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly last Friday, defeating ATM leader Vuyo Zungula with 273 votes to 54.
The National Assembly elects Annelie Lotriet as Deputy Speaker of the 7th Parliament during the First Sitting of the National Assembly taking place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in the Western Cape.#7thParliament#SouthAfrica30 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/9Sy4EiKmpk
— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) June 14, 2024
Zungula was supported by the EFF and the Progressive Caucus.
During an interview with SABC, Lotriet emphasised the historic nature of having a Deputy Speaker from a party other than the ANC.
“You know, we’ve been talking about things such as Government of National Unity or coalitions or just working together as political parties since the elections. When this becomes a reality where you have a deputy speaker from another party and not the ANC, who has held these positions forever, you now realise what it is and that it is historic,” Lotriet said.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
