IFP CAUCUS DISTANCES ITSELF FROM SPEAKER ACTION

The IFP has taken note of the article by Mr Jan Jan Joubert in today's TimesLive edition, as well as remarks on radio by the Leader of the Official Opposition in Parliament, to the effect that the IFP might support the motion to remove the Speaker of the National Assembly today.

We, as the IFP Caucus in Parliament, want to state categorically that we have not applied our minds to the matter. As a Party we only considered this matter in Caucus this morning when media reports were brought to our attention. Neither were we present at the meeting and press conference held yesterday by a number of political parties.

We are the fourth largest Opposition Party in Parliament. We are a Party that believes in constructive opposition and therefore do not believe that the removal of the Speaker will address the immediate and urgent challenges pertaining to the decorum in the House.

These challenges are constantly arising because some MPs do not respect or understand the Rules. We are of the opinion that the removal of the Speaker will not resolve this pressing challenge.

Statement issued by IFP Caucus Chairperson, Mr Alfred Mpontshane MP, September 11 2014

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