The position of opposition leader in the National Assembly is currently held by John Hlophe of the uMkhonto weSizwe, who was appointed on 25 June 2024.

This was the case between the formation of the Hertzog–Smuts coalition in 1933 and the breakaway of the Purified National Party in 1934.

Athol Trollip and Lindiwe Mazibuko (and Mmusi Maimane for a short period) have been Parliamentary leaders only, whilst the incumbent Federal Leader of the Democratic Alliance, Helen Zille, was not a member of Parliament.

A salary was provided for the leader of the opposition and the office was given an official definition.

"Rule 21 of the rules of the National Assembly provides in similar words that: "The leader of the largest opposition party in the Assembly must be recognised as the Leader of the Opposition.