INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPERS

New Western Cape Speaker Richard Majola, middle, with DA chief whip Alta Rossouw, right, and DA MPL Helman (Bokkie) Geyer in the provincial legislature. Seated is Premier Helen Zille. Photo: Jeffrey Abrahams

Richard Majola was elected new Speaker in the Western Cape legislature on Wednesday despite objections by the ANC, who accused the DA of overlooking women in the party.

Piet Pretorius will be his deputy.

Majola said he was honoured to be elected and thanked the members for placing their trust in him.

On Wednesday’s elections come after the previous Speaker, Shahid Esau, quit.

In a statement, the ANC said they were very disappointed with Majola’s appointment.

“The DA has once more passed up on an opportunity to live up to its mantra of fit-for-purpose and again disregarded the many women in that party in their obsession to only appoint men.”

They said they were keen to see how Majola would fare in the hot seat and whether he could have been set up for failure.

“Majola, former deputy speaker, is known for challengeable rulings not in pace with the rules and legislation.”

The ANC has in the past accused Majola of bias.

It nominated Carol Beerwinkel for the position, but the DA used its majority to appoint Majola. He beat Beerwinkel by 26 votes to 14.

Western Cape Judge President John Hlophe issued 42 ballots, but two were spoilt.

Beerwinkel also lost out as deputy speaker to Pretorius.

Pretorius said he was humbled and honoured, but “not illusioned by the challenges that lie ahead”.

“I am excited. This is a house full of politics and I will try to keep views in check and lay down the law,” he added.

Pretorius said he would draw on his previous experience as the secretary of the house between 1997 and 2004, as well as his experience from when he was a member of Parliament.

neo.maditla@inl.co.za - Cape Argus

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