Annelie Lotriet has been elected as the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, marking a significant milestone in her extensive career in politics and academia. Born and raised in Johannesburg, Lotriet’s academic journey began at the then Rand Afrikaans University (RAU), where she obtained a BA in Languages (English and Latin), a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education, a B.Ed, an M.Ed, a D.Ed, and an LLB from UNISA.
Before fully committing to politics, Lotriet had a distinguished academic career. She lectured at Vista University and the University of the Free State, where she eventually became the Head of the Department of Afro-Asiatic Studies, Linguistics, and Sign Language, as well as an associate professor.
Her political career began as a DA ward councillor in Mangaung in 2000. In 2009, she transitioned to full-time politics when elected as a member of Parliament. During her tenure, she served as the Shadow Minister of Arts and Culture, Higher Education and Training, and Science and Technology.
Dr. Lotriet has also held several key positions within the Democratic Alliance (DA). She served three terms as the Provincial Chairperson of the Free State, two terms as a caucus whip, Chairperson of the DA Parliamentary Caucus, and currently, she is the Deputy Chief Whip. Additionally, Lotriet is the Deputy Chairperson of the DA Federal Legal Commission.
As the newly elected Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Lotriet brings a wealth of experience and a strong academic background to the role. Her election reflects a broader collaboration within the National Assembly and signifies the evolving dynamics in South African politics.
In her new position, Lotriet will play a crucial role in assisting the Speaker in managing the legislative process and ensuring that parliamentary procedures are followed effectively. Her extensive background in education, legal matters, and parliamentary operations will be instrumental in her efforts to uphold the integrity and functionality of the National Assembly.
