Speaker of the National Assembly of South Africa

Speaker of the National Assembly of South Africa
Incumbent
Thoko Didiza
since 14 June 2024
National Assembly of South Africa
StyleHonorable Speaker
TypePresiding officer of one chamber in a bicameral legislature
ResidenceCape Town
AppointerElected by members of the National Assembly
Formation1854
First holderChristoffel Brand
DeputyDeputy Speaker of the National Assembly
Annelie Lotriet
SalaryR3,164‚654.00 a year
Websitehttps://www.parliament.gov.za/na-presiding-officers

The Speaker of the National Assembly presides over the National Assembly of South Africa, the lower house of the Parliament of South Africa. The speaker is chosen from among the Members of the Assembly at its first sitting following a general election and whenever the office is vacant.[1] The Speaker acts as a "referee", taking charge of debates to make sure that the MPs can participate freely while keeping to the rules. The Speaker also has managerial duties to ensure that Parliament runs smoothly. Each political party in the Assembly elects a chief whip to run its affairs. The presiding officers, the chief whips, and the Leader of Government Business (the person appointed by the Cabinet to liaise with Parliament) together decide on the programme of work.

The office of Speaker of the National Assembly was preceded by the offices of Speaker of the House of Assembly (1910–1984) under the 1909 and 1961 constitutions and Speaker of Parliament under the Tricameral Parliament (1984–1994).

  1. ^ "The Speakers Corner". Retrieved 7 March 2014.