SPEAKER'S APPEAL FOR DISCIPLINE IN THE HOUSE WELCOME

18 June 2013

The Office of the ANC Chief accepts and welcomes all the rulings given in today's sitting of the National Assembly by both the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker on various unparliamentary incidences that took place in the House during last week's debates. We commend ANC MP John Jeffery for his public withdrawal and apology regarding the pun he directed at DA's Lindiwe Mazibuko.

We fully support the statement by the Speaker Max Sisulu made in the sitting today, which implored all Members of Parliament to observe the rules of the House, respect the authority of the presiding officers and to always exercise civility and mutual respect during parliamentary debates.

"Democracy and freedom of speech are not about aggressive confrontation, but about tolerance, respect for different points of view and opinions and the willingness to "agree to disagree" without stepping over the bounds of decency" - said the Speaker.

Confrontational language and intolerance for different views, which happens across all political parties, have the potential to undermine the decorum of the National Assembly and the standing of Parliament.

Indeed freedom of speech in the House, which is cherished by Parliament and protected by the Constitution, comes with responsibility.

The heckling from all sides of the House, usage of unparliamentary language, emotional outbursts, disrespectful and condescending language cannot be condoned.

Statement issued by the Office of the ANC Chief Whip, June 18 2013

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