MPUMALANGA – Another woman has taken the position of Speaker in the Mpumalanga provincial legislature.
Lindi Masina, ANC regional secretary for the Gert Sibande district, was elected unopposed as the Speaker of the 7th sitting of the provincial legislature during its first sitting on Friday, 14 June.
This brings the total to six women who have held the position in Mpumalanga since 1994.
During her acceptance speech, Masina remarked, “As we take up the baton, we commit to hit the ground running in deepening the work of an activist, people-centred legislature. As per our oath, we will be loyal to the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.”
She also pledged to remain a neutral Speaker. “Working with all political parties, we will ensure the business of the House is conducted seriously and seamlessly. I look forward to constructive engagement and cooperation with all honourables,” she said.
“In this regard, I remind everyone that even when we disagree, our engagements must always prioritize the interests of our people and not narrow factional interests.”
Pinky Phosa, wife of former ANC treasurer-general and former Mpumalanga premier Mathews Phosa, served as Speaker from 2004 to 2009. Thandi Shongwe also held the position from 2014 to 2018 before being succeeded by Violet Siwela, who served from 2018 to 2019. Busisiwe Shiba presided over the legislature from 2019 to 2021, followed by Makhosazana Masilela (2021 to 2024).
Phosa, Shongwe, Siwela, and Masilela all hail from Ehlanzeni, while Shiba is from Gert Sibande.
The Speaker chairs the legislature’s rules committee and other political management structures.
Sam Masango, also known as Obama, was elected unopposed as Masina’s deputy.
