Mixed reaction to Mapisa-Nqakula's election as new National Assembly Speaker
Political parties have reacted to Thursday's election of Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula as the new Speaker of the National Assembly.
Mapisa-Nqakula secured 199 votes following a secret ballot.
The Democratic Alliance's Annelie Lotriet received 82 votes, while 17 ballots were spoiled.
READ: MPs elect Mapisa-Nqakula as National Assembly Speaker
DA Chief Whip Natasha Mazzone says the African National Congress is trying to turn Parliament into a toothless institution.
"The DA maintains that Mapisa-Nqakule is unfit for the position of Speaker and that her election makes a complete mockery of Parliament and it’s principles of transparency, accountability and integrity.
"What makes matters worse is that the new Speaker is heading up the very institution which she for years tried to undermine and where serious allegations of misconduct have been levelled against her."
The Inkatha Freedom Party's Chief Whip Nirend Singh says they respect and will abide by the will of the National Assembly.
"We will officer the Speaker our fullest support as a political party in ensuring that the role of parliamentarians is established and fortified.
"Further we'd like to state that we would wish that she would support all efforts by parliamentarians to stem out corruption at all levels of government and to ensure that the taxpayers get value for their money."
