The Speaker
Newrene Klaaste
Speaker Newrene Klaaste
Mrs Newrene Klaaste, was born in Nababeep in the Namaqua region in the Northern Cape.
Speaker Klaaste’s passion lies in Municipal Finance, emanating from her participation in the School of Public Leadership through the University of Stellenbosch. As a former Speaker of the Namaqua District Municipality, her leadership skills, passion for charity work and shop stewardship (SAMWU), has paved her way to being the Speaker of the Northern Cape Legislature.
Work & Political Profile
- SAMWU Shop Steward: 2001 - 2015
- Speaker Namaqua District Municipality: 2018 - 2019
- Speaker of the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature: 2019 - Current
- Provincial Executive Committee Member of the ANC - Current
The Speaker is the political head of the Legislature and is elected to the position by fellow MPLs in accordance with Section 111 of the Constitution of South Africa. The Speaker is responsible for the overall management of the Legislature.
The Speaker also presides over debates and sittings, and ensures that Members of the Legislature observe the Rules of the House. The individual holding the position of Speaker must be impartial and fair at all times. The Speaker is the guardian of the right to freedom of speech in the House. Beyond simply keeping a “clean” House, the Speaker works closely with the Provincial Secretary, who is the Accounting Officer of the Legislature, and is directly accountable to the Speaker.
In accordance with section 111 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996), the Deputy Speaker assumes all responsibilities, powers and functions of the Speaker in his/her absence.
