Hazel Jenkins was sworn in as the new premier of the Northern Cape on Wednesday.
Ghoolam Acharwaray was elected as the provincial legislature's new speaker, and Johanna Beukes as deputy speaker.
The legislature had 30 seats - the African National Congress had 19 of these, the Congress of the People, five, the Democratic Alliance, four, and the Independent Democrats, two.
The South African Local Government Association (Salga) praised Jenkins, saying she epitomised "a persona of a leader who has served in the political arena with distinction".
"Jenkins, a founder member of Salga, contributed immensely to development and the democratisation of local government in South Africa," Salga chairperson Amos Masondo said in a statement.
"She possesses the rare skills of being an ardent listener with exceptional vision.
"Whilst being open to new and fresh ideas, she is resolute and principled. Local Government sector will find it not an easy task to fill the void she is leaving as Cllr Jenkins has contributed immensely to the transformation of local government," he said.
He said Jenkins cut her teeth as a community leader when she was a member of the Western Cape Student Organisation, a youth councillor in the Anglican Church and a councillor in the De Aar, Bo-Karoo, Emthenjeni and Pixley ka Seme district municipalities.
"Jenkins has been active in the liberation struggle and has played a prominent role in advocating for women's development in South Africa whilst holding key positions within the local government sector and the ANC." - Sapa