Each political party elects Whips who are responsible for organising their political party’s effective participation in the various activities of the Provincial Legislature. Whips must make sure that the party administration operates effectively. They are the custodians of party discipline and mandate.

They also organise the speakers’ lists (they decide which MPL will speak during a debate and for how long) and voting in the House. They are also responsible for deciding which MPLs will sit on which Portfolio Committees. The Whips are appointed by the Presiding Officers on the recommendation of the political parties. The Chief Whip is the most senior Whip and is a member of the majority party. All political parties who have three or more members have a Whip.

2008 WHIPS:

Chief Whip: Sicelo Gqobana

Deputy Chief Whip: Neela Hoosain

Whips: Deborah Komose, Mandla Makupula, Bulelwa Tunyiswa, Phindiwe Samka-Mququ, Humphrey Maxegwana, Ester Mtitshana, Viola Mtongana and Bobby Stevenson