PARLIAMENT TO OPPOSE EFF HIGH COURT APPLICATION AGAINST SUSPENSIONS, FINES

Parliament, Tuesday 2 December 2014 - Parliament will oppose all relief sought in the application to the Western Cape High Court on behalf of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).

Notice of motion, among others, to interdict Parliament for suspending the salaries and allowances of 20 EFF Members for their role in disrupting proceedings of the National Assembly on 21 August when President Jacob appeared to answer oral questions, was served yesterday. The date of 10 December has been set for hearing argument.

On Friday, letters of suspension and notices of fines were sent to members of the EFF found guilty of contempt of Parliament.

This followed the adoption by the Assembly on Thursday of the report of the Powers and Privileges Committee on the hearing into allegations of conduct constituting contempt of Parliament by Members of the Assembly. Independent initiator Mr Randall van Voore led the hearing. 

Six members of the EFF were suspended for 30 days with no pay. Another six were suspended for 14 days without pay and eight were each fined an amount equivalent to 14 days' salary and allowances. 

In terms of the suspensions, which took effect from Friday, the 30 days' suspensions will expire on 28 December and the 14 days' suspensions will expire on 12 December.

Suspended members are prohibited from entering Parliament or from participating in any activity of Parliament or its committees without written permission of the Speaker. They are also not entitled to any allowances under the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers Act for the duration of their suspensions.

Statement issued by Parliament, December 2 2014

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