By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Gauteng provincial legislature has re-elected the African National Congress (ANC) Nomvuyo Mhlakaza-Manamela as its deputy speaker.
Mhlakaza-Manamela was elected unopposed during a special house sitting of the provincial legislature on Thursday after being nominated by the human settlements MEC, Tasneem Motara and seconded by ANC chief whip, Lesego Makhubela.
She succeeds the Democratic Alliance (DA) Refilwe Nt’sekhe who resigned this week.
Nt’sekhe was forced to resign after both the DA and ANC failed to reach an agreement on cabinet positions with premier Panyaza Lesufi.
Lesufi announced his executive last Wednesday. The ANC received the lion’s share of the MEC posts with the PA, IFP and Rise Mzansi each awarded a post.
The premier said the door would remain open for the parties to meet each other, but the DA’s provincial leader, Solly Msimanga, has rejected the invitation, saying the party will form part of the opposition in the province.
Manamela served as the deputy speaker during the 6th legislature of which she served with distinction and integrity.
Gauteng Speaker Marokane Mosupyoe congratulated her new deputy and said the provincial legislature was the first point of contact for the people of Gauteng in the governance and service delivery value chain.
“The position of the deputy speaker, therefore, plays a critical role in ensuring the effective governance of the GPL, guiding legislative proceeding, ensuring that integrity of legislative processes and upholding the principles of democracy”, said Mosupyoe.
Mosupye urged all MPLs representing various political parties to extend their support to Manamela as she assumes on this responsibility.
“Your significant cooperation and collaboration of the 7th legislature are essential to ensuring the effective functioning of this institution and placing the interests of the residents of Gauteng at the centre of our work” she said.