REFILWE MEKOA
“This is a highly emotional moment. I never thought I would be part of the legislature for 20 years. I’m attached to the institution and residents. They have always supported me since I was a young woman who started at the age of 32, and now I’m leaving at 52 years,” said speaker of the Free State Legislature, Ouma Tsopo.
Though Tsopo would be leaving her duties as speaker of the provincial legislature, she was adamant that it was not yet farewell. Speaking to Courant after her last formal house sitting before the general elections, she said it was an honour to witness the organisation transform democratically.
Members of the provincial legislature gathered in the Raadsaal in Bloemfontein this week to bid farewell messages. Tsopo told Courant that the various official roles she occupied as an ordinary legislature member, had groomed her to become a better speaker.
“It all started in 1994 when I was deployed as MEC for local government and housing, till 1995. From there I was MEC for social welfare, sports and arts and culture till 1996. In 1997 I became MEC for social welfare, till 1999, then for health till 2004 and then for Education till 2007. I was MEC for Social Development till 2009, followed by the position of deputy speaker and acting speaker of the provincial legislature till 2013. I was then formally inaugurated as speaker,” she said.
Tsopo hoped those who continue with the legislature would acquire as much knowledge as they could to broaden the organisation. She said most members would carry on with the legacy and keep the momentum. “New members should be able to understand what government is all about, what is expected in parliament and how they are supposed to behave. They should know that parliament is about addressing the ANC’s resolutions that were made at Mangaung in 2012,” she added.
Tsopo’s name was in the ANC national list that was submitted to the IEC for the upcoming elections. “I am number 116 on the national list, so it will depend on the outcome of the elections. This organisation really worked for me because when I joined, I only had a diploma. I trully enjoyed my journey,” said Tsopo.
The Democratic Alliance’s Roy Jankielsohn thanked all members who contributed to making the provincial legislature an entertaining place. He stated that there had never been a dull moment, while Wouter Wessels of the Freedom Front Plus assured everyone that they would still have a seat after the elections.
