Parliament, Thursday, 9 June 2022 – In today's programming committee meeting, National Assembly (NA) Speaker, Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, confirmed that she declined the African Transformation Movement (ATM) request regarding President Cyril Ramaphosa's appearance in the NA for oral questions and answer session.
The ATM letter requested the Speaker to reverse the decision of the Programme Committee and determine a date for the President to answer oral questions in the NA before the end of the second term, which is due to end on 15 June.
According to the letter, the request is based on the allegations of bribery, concealing a crime and kidnapping, which have been brought against the President by former Director-General of State Security Agency Mr Arthur Fraser.
In her response, the Speaker informed the ATM that the programme committee, the body responsible for the programme, had deliberated extensively on the matter and agreed that the President would have two questions and answer sessions in the next term.
She further advised the ATM to use the questions for written reply option as an alternative.
The oral questions and answer sessions with the President have been scheduled for 30 August and 29 September.
At the same meeting, the Speaker confirmed that she had received letters from the ATM and the United Democratic Front (UDM) requesting that Parliament institute a preliminary investigation against the President on the same allegations brought by Mr Fraser.
She informed the meeting that she was still considering the letters and would give feedback on the matter at the next meeting of the Programme Committee.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Enquiries: Moloto Mothapo
Arrange a tour