Government reacts to the shameful and disgusting conduct of certain elected public representatives

12 Feb 2015

The Government of the Republic of South Africa is disappointed and disgusted at the despicable conduct of some elected public representatives who are hell-bent in holding this democratic institution, the electorates and the country at ransom.

Government condemns the unruly and un-parliamentary conduct of some Members of Parliament whose intention is to render this respectable institution ungovernable. The events that unfolded in Parliament were aimed at bringing our hard earned democracy into disrepute.

This democracy we enjoy today came with enormous sacrifice, bloodshed and loss of lives. People of this country died for this democracy for these members to be elected to be public representatives. Their actions dishonour the lives of those who paid the ultimate price.

The President, as the Head of State convened the joint seating in line with the constitution to an extraordinary sitting to deliver the State of the Nation Address. Therefore, the State of the Nation Address (SoNA) is a solemn occasion which should be respected.

The President called in all levers of state, the executive, judiciary and a legislature, to address the nation and not the respond to questions or for any other business.

The President also called for public inputs into the State of the Nation Address, therefore the people of South Africa should be disappointed and outraged that they were denied the opportunity to hear the President respond in a climate of dignity.

The unruly behaviour of some Members of Parliament, as elected public representatives should be condemned with the strongest possible action and our people should disassociate themselves with this despicable action.

Government is flabbergasted at the shameful conduct of those who claim to be representing the needs and aspirations of the electorates.  Sadly, those who voted for them are being robbed of their needs and aspirations they expressed through the ballot box.

It is disappointing that elected public representatives can behave in such disgusting and despicable manner.

Such behaviour and conduct cannot be tolerated and we urge Parliament to apply the rules and take stern action against these members. South Africa is a constitutional democracy and cannot allow such embarrassing scenes to go unpunished.

Statement issued by The Department of Communication on behalf of Minister in The Presidency, Jeff Radebe, February 12 2015

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