AGANG MP's CONDUCT IN PARLIAMENT

3 March 2015

The Office of the ANC Chief Whip shares the disappointment and dismay of all parties in parliament regarding the conduct of Agang MP Andries Tlouamma during today's sitting of the National Assembly, which was scheduled to debate his party's no confidence motion against the President.

His decision to withdraw his proposed motion at the eleventh hour, just when it was about to be debated by all parties after its scheduling weeks ago, makes light of the constitutional provision for such motions and a complete mockery of our parliamentary democracy. Serious preparatory work has been done and parliamentary time set aside for this motion, only for everyone to be sent on a wild goose chase. Tlouamma's conduct sadly confirms the observation we expressed yesterday that such motions are frivolous, without basis, a waste of Parliament's time and raised for sheer media attention.

It is unfortunate that such an important constitutional clause, which serves as a vital mechanism for Parliament to hold the executive to account, is used playfully just to grab few media headlines. It is this type of conduct by certain MPs that erodes the integrity of Parliament and the confidence of the people in it.

We condemn Tlouamma's conduct, and appeal to all parties in Parliament to take seriously our democratic Constitution for which many lost their lives for its attainment.

Statement issued by the Office of the ANC Chief Whip, March 3 2015

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