Picture: Newly-appointed speaker of North West Provincial Legislature, Viola Motsumi/SuppliedÂ
By OBAKENG MAJE
18 August 2026 – The former North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi was elected as the new speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) on Tuesday during a special sitting. Motsumi becomes the 8th speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature since the advent of democracy in 1994, and the first former deputy speaker of the Legislature to subsequently ascend to the position of the speaker.
Delivering her maiden address following her election, Motsumi pledged to protect the dignity and constitutional authority of the Legislature, uphold the rights of Members and preside over the House fairly and impartially, irrespective of political affiliation. She placed strong emphasis on the Legislature’s constitutional responsibility to exercise oversight and hold the Executive accountable, stressing that robust oversight should not be regarded as hostility towards government.
“Oversight is not hostility. Accountability is not an act of opposition. And scrutiny is not disrespectful. A strong Legislature does not weaken the government. A strong Legislature helps the government govern better. We commit to creating an environment in which Members can ask difficult questions, disagree and engage in vigorous debate, while respecting the Rules, the Constitution and the dignity of the House.
“There is a need for the Legislature to remain connected to the everyday realities of the people of the North West, including their concerns about employment opportunities, education, healthcare, roads, water, responsible use of public resources and the delivery of government services,” she said.
Motsumi further said the Legislature must continue taking Parliament to the people and ensure that no citizen feels that the institution is distant from their daily struggles. Reflecting on the responsibility entrusted to her, she added that the speaker’s chair does not belong to the individual occupying it, but to the institution and ultimately to the people.
“The speaker’s chair does not belong to the person who occupies it. It belongs to the institution. And the institution belongs to the people. So, I pledge to pursue an institutional rather than personal legacy, with the objective of strengthening the Legislature and making it more democratic, accountable, accessible and effective.
“I will seek to make this House larger than any one of us. More democratic, more accountable, more accessible, more effective and more worthy of the people of Bokone Bophirima,” said Motsumi.
She concluded her maiden address by committing herself to serving the House with humility, protecting its dignity, upholding its Rules, defending its constitutional authority and ultimately leaving the institution stronger than she found it. Following the conclusion of the special sitting, Motsumi also presided over the swearing-in of Rosina Ntshetsana Komane as a new Member of the North West Provincial Legislature representing the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), in accordance with Section 107 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.
“Komane fills the vacancy in the Legislature following the passing of the late Primrose Bogatsu last month,” she said.
The Guardian 