Parliament, Monday, 13 June 2022 - National Assembly (NA) Speaker, Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, has declined requests by the United Democratic Movement (UDM) and the African Transformation Movement (ATM) for the initiation of a parliamentary action concerning reported allegations against President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The UDM requested a parliamentary investigation into the alleged conduct of the President, including placing him on sabbatical leave, while the ATM requested an establishment of a Section 89 committee for a removal inquiry.
The Speaker declined the UDM's submission on the grounds that it did not constitute or was not accompanied by a substantive motion envisaged in the Rules for this particular enquiry to be initiated, and that there existed no legal basis for Parliament to compel the President to take leave. For Parliament to undertake such an inquiry, there must be basis in the Constitution, the law or Rules which the Assembly would rely upon. The UDM has not made such a case.
Similarly, the ATM’s request did not constitute nor was it accompanied by a substantive motion for a Section 89 enquiry to be initiated, as required in the Rules. The Rules further indicate that such a motion must be limited to a formulated and substantiated charge, and all evidence for consideration must be attached. These requirements were not complied with in the ATM’s submission.
Further, there was no provision in the Executive Members' Ethics Act (1998) for the referral to the National Assembly of allegations of breaches by the President.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES
Enquiries: Moloto Mothapo
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