Former Mpumalanga Premier Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane is the new National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Chairperson following her unopposed election on Saturday during the first meeting of the house following the May 29 elections that paved the way for the seventh administration.
Her nomination was announced by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo who presided over the swearing in of 54 four permanent delegates from provinces.
During her maiden speech, the former Premier vowed to execute the obligations of her office in accordance with the constitution. She also emphasised the need for transformative leadership, women’s inclusion and progressive in the provinces.
“It is with great humility and a deep resolve to honour your trust that I assume the position of Chairperson in the NCOP during the seventh parliamentary dispensation.
It is indeed an honour for me to serve our Constitution, which is the base framework for democratic governance in South Africa, far from being purely prescriptive and constraining.
Our Constitution is permissive and enables putting the power of the State in pursuit of a positive project of achieving equality, justice, and freedom,” said Mtsweni-Tsipane.
She succeeds Amos Masondo who has been in the position since 2019 after the general elections.