ANC STATEMENT ON THE BEHAVIOR OF EFF IN PARLIAMENT

The African National Congress is appalled by the behavior of "Honourable" Members of Parliament who disrupted the proceedings,this afternoon, instead of engaging in robust debate as expected from representative members who must hold government accountable.

It is quiet clear that the intentions of EFF is not to engage within the framework of promoting public accountability but have an intention  of undermining not only the purpose of parliament but to promote anarchy and general disrespect. This conduct is consistent with people who are hell bent on undermining the rights of those who are duly elected members of parliament, representing their constituencies in parliament.

The EFF cannot and should not be allowed to take our people for granted. This freedom that  they are undermining is akin to desecrating the graves of those who fought for them to be members of the same parliament. The ANC will not allow the sacrifice of Mandela, Tambo, Slovo and Chris Hani to be undermined with impunity.

The violent nature in which the EFF engages on issues is likely to take South Africa backward. We warn them not to take us back to the past where we will have no option but to defend our hard won democracy.

We call on our people to isolate these elements who have no regard for democracy, civility and regard for respectable behavior.

Statement issued by Zizi Kodwa, ANC national spokesperson, August 21 2014

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