Sharifa Ferris, leader of the Patriotic Alliance (PA) in the Northern Cape, was elected unopposed as the new deputy Speaker of the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature (NCPL) on 12 March.
The process, led by the Speaker of the Legislature, Newrene Klaaste, commenced with a nomination from the floor and was duly seconded. Ferris was elected unopposed.
The vacancy for this position was created when the former deputy Speaker, Mangaliso Matika, was appointed as a Member of the Executive Council (MEC).
The role of the deputy Speaker in the Legislature includes the chairpersonship of the Programming Committee, the Standing Committee on Ethics and Conduct, and the Standing Committee on Internal Arrangements.
In accordance with the Constitution, the deputy Speaker assumes all responsibilities, powers and functions of the Speaker in his or her absence. The deputy Speaker also presides over House debates and sittings and ensures that members of the Legislature observe the Rules of the House.
As with the Speaker, the deputy Speaker is expected to always demonstrate impartiality and fairness towards all members of the Legislature.
