DA condemns secret pre-SONA training for Parliament security

8 February 2015

The DA strongly condemns Parliament's decision to send its security staff on a 3 day special training camp in preparation for Thursday's State of the Nation Address.

On Saturday evening, Parliament's 80 member strong security contingent were reportedly picked up from their homes and taken to a training facility, where they were taught "manhandling techniques", as well as how to use crowd control gear such as batons, handcuffs and tommy bars.

The DA has been consistently clear on this issue - the threat and use of physical violence in Parliament is a fundamental violation of the Constitution, and the separation of executive and legislative powers.

The theatrics of the ANC and the EFF are destroying the integrity of Parliament, and are a threat to the institution.

I will write to the Secretary of Parliament, Gengezi Mgidlana, demanding answers on the following:Who initiated this training;

The total cost of the training; and

Why this was not communicated to all opposition parties

This information must be tabled for discussion at Wednesday's Chief Whips' Forum.

At a time when our country is in crisis, Parliament should be focusing its attention on the real issues facing South Africans.

Statement issued by John Steenhuisen MP, DA Chief Whip, February 8 2015

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