DA'S CALL FOR BOOI TO RESIGN

The African National Congress (ANC) Parliamentary Caucus rejects a call by the Democratic Alliance (DA) for ANC Member of Parliament and Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Defence & Military Veterans, Mnyamezeli Booi, to step down.

Section 47 of the Constitution outlines instances in which one ceases to be a Member of the National Assembly. One of those instances is if one is convicted of an offence and sentenced to more than 12 months imprisonment without the option of a fine.

Booi has entered into a plea bargain in the Cape Town Regional Court and agreed with the State to settle for a fine of R50 000.

The call by the DA for his resignation therefore smacks of political opportunism. Caucus is satisfied by Booi's show of remorse and his co-operation with the judiciary in reaching the agreement.

Statement issued by the ANC Parliamentary Caucus, September 29 2009
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