Militarisation of Parliamentary Protection Services not the answer
02 August 2015
The Democratic Alliance strongly condemns the proposed militarisation of the Parliamentary Protection Services; this is not in the interest of a functioning national legislature.
We will not support any measures that aim to undermine the freedom of expression afforded to Members of Parliament (MPs) nor will we condone the use of the South African Police Service (SAPS), an agency of the Executive, in the affairs of the National Assembly Chamber.
While necessary steps are needed to uphold the decorum of the House, these decisions should be taken in a consultative multiparty forum of Parliament, like the Parliamentary Oversight Authority (POA) which should be entrusted with overseeing and regulating the role of the Parliamentary Protection Services.
I have written to the Speaker, Ms Baleka Mbete, asking that the POA be briefed on the following:
1. The current strength of the Parliamentary Protection Services, the names and positions of each member.
2. The commencement date of each of these employees.
3. The current level of training achieved by each employee as well as any future training identified.
4. The recruitment process used to employ and screen each of these employees.
Point four is important, given the politically charged environment in which the Parliamentary Protection Officers will sometimes operate in. They should be above the politics and be guided by the rules and mandate of the POA or any other multiparty forum they report to.
If indeed Parliamentary Protection Services are undergoing combat training, this amounts to the policing of the affairs of the National Assembly and preparation for the use of excessive force, as seen during the opening of Parliament in February. An event which will forever remain an indelible mark on our constitutional order.
The DA will continue to ensure that Parliament functions, so that we can legislate for a better South Africa, underscored by the values of Freedom, Fairness and Opportunity.
Statement issued by John Steenhuisen MP, Chief Whip of the DA, August 2 2015
