Former North West education MEC Viola Motsumi was elected speaker on Tuesday (18/8), replacing Dr Desbo Mohono, who has returned to the provincial executive as education MEC. North West High Court judge president Ronald Deon Hendricks presided over the election at the legislature headquarters in Mmabatho.

Motsumi contested the position against EFF MPL Matshidiso Botswe. Of 50 ballot papers printed, 35 were issued, with one spoiled and 15 unused. Motsumi received 25 votes against Botswe’s nine. Her election follows a reshuffle of the provincial executive and legislature announced by premier Lazarus Mokgosi.

In her acceptance speech, she said the election demonstrated the legislature’s democratic processes and stressed the position should not be used to advance party interests. Members across political parties shared a responsibility to serve North West residents. 

“Today I stand before this house with humility, gratitude, but above all conscious of history. Today I become the eighth speaker of the North West legislature since the dawn of democracy.”

Members have spent 32 years debating, legislating and representing residents since the establishment of a democratic provincial government, Motsumi said. 

Being entrusted with presiding over the legislature carried a significant responsibility and was not simply a political achievement.

“I do not take that responsibility lightly. I have sat in this house before, occupying the chair of deputy speaker. My journey to this chair does not begin today. The responsibility is greater, but the purpose remains the same: to serve the people of North West.”

She described the North West legislature as one of the country’s most stable provincial legislatures in advancing residents’ interests. Motsumi also pledged to build on the standards set by Mohono and said the speaker’s authority should come from trust and respect earned through impartial leadership.

“The authority of this house does not come from the title. It comes from the trust placed in the person who occupies the chair, and that trust must be earned every day. 

“That respect must be earned every day if, as speaker, I am going to do what is right for our people.” The speaker must protect the integrity of the legislature and respect the rights of every member, irrespective of political affiliation.” 

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg

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