LEBOWAKGOMO – The new-look Limpopo Legislature, with a newly-elected Premier, Speaker and Deputy-Speaker, as well as many unfamiliar faces in the members' benches, will assemble shortly to tackle a formidable business agenda.

The formal election of Mr Phaswana Sello Moloto, the former Health and Welfare MEC, to the premiership of the province, was accompanied on Monday by spontaneous singing and ululating, causing tongue-in-cheek presiding officer Judge EJ Schabort to venture a smiling "Order in the house" remark, which was largely ignored.

The appointment of former Transport MEC, Dr Tshenwani Farisani, to succeed Mr Robert Malavi as Speaker of the House, was initially received with some surprise, but received wide support from both sides of the House.

Farisani, a former Lutheran pastor, has a keen sense of humour, and his multi-lingual abilities are sure to stand him in good stead. The new Deputy-Speaker, Ms Catherine Mabuza, is seen by government supporters as a good choice, having become conversant with legislative procedures during her term as MEC in the office of former premier Ngoako Ramatlhodi.

Opposition members who had crossed swords with her in several debates during the previous session expressed reservations about her ability to act impartially.

The inaugural session of the Limpopo Legislature was a very colourful event, with bright ethnic dress by both male and female members the order of the day. Some of the guests opted for modern western fashion trends, favouring striking hats and bandanas.

After the event, everyone was treated to a traditional meal in a large marquee tent erected in the legislature's grounds.