LAST NIGHT'S ROWDINESS IN PARLIAMENT

14 November 2014

The Office of the ANC Chief Whip fully supports the ejection of a rowdy and disruptive EFF Member of Parliament from the National Assembly sitting by the parliamentary protection unit of the South African Police last night. In terms of the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act, a person who causes disturbance in the House may be removed from the House on the instruction of the presiding officers or by a designated member of staff.

The rules enjoin presiding officers to uphold the decorum of the House and promote civil engagement during sittings. Presiding officers may therefore order the removal of unruly elements that deliberately defy the rules, the rulings and their authority.

The EFF MP in question clearly transgressed the rules of the Assembly when she repeatedly referred to the President as a "thief" amongst other unprintable expletives she hurled from the podium. Such type of language, which is at odds with the rules of civility and acceptable engagement in the House, is outrageous and does nothing to enhance parliamentary democracy and the decorum of the House.   The EFF MP refused to withdraw her un-parliamentary language when gently persuaded to do so by the Sergeant at Arms and further defied an order to leave the house so that her disruptive conduct does not continue to hinder the business of the House.

The police unit that assisted with the removal of this wild and disorderly MP are part of the parliamentary security system, not the "riot police" as alleged in the media. We condemn the conduct of certain DA MPs who interfered with the lawful function of the police by physically attacking them. We appeal to the leaders of these parties to exercise leadership and call their MPs to order.

It is becoming clear that these parliamentary opposition parties are embarking on desperate and undemocratic tactics to undermine and weaken a democratically-elected parliamentary majority. What they have failed to achieve at the polls they are now bitterly trying to reclaim through underhand means in Parliament. The rules and laws governing this institution must be applied without fear, favour or prejudice to salvage the integrity of this Parliament and the public trust in it.

It is unfortunate that the gimmicks and delinquent conduct of this EFF MPs and others are shamelessly greeted with approval from certain sections of the media, instead of being shunned as an affront to the people's hard won constitutional democracy. Parliament must not be deterred in its endeavour to uphold and protect the integrity of this institution.

For our part, we will continue to engage with all political parties regarding the importance and the need to protect this institution from decay. We are confident that at the end sanity will prevail.

Statement issued by the Office of the ANC Chief Whip, November 14 2014

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