Parliament, Thursday, 29 July 2021 – The Powers and Privileges Committee today met to consider two complaints referred to it by the Speaker of the National Assembly.
The committee considered a complaint by the former CEO of Brand SA, Dr Kingsley Mahlasela Makhubela, regarding the alleged misrepresentation by the current Chairperson of Brand SA, Ms Thandi Tobias-Pokolo to the Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration on 10 March 2021. The committee also considered a complaint by the Chief Whip of the Official Opposition, Ms Natasha Mazzone regarding an incident involving Mr Nazier Paulsen, Ms Natasha Mazzone, Mr Kevin Mileham and a former Member of Parliament, Ms Phumzile van Damme.
ON DR MAKHUBELA’S COMPLAINT ON MISLEADING OF PARLIAMENT
After reviewing the information submitted to the committee by all parties involved in this matter, including the complaint by Dr Makhubela, the response by the Chairperson of Brand SA, the response by the Acting Minister in the Presidency and the transcript of the meeting in question, the committee came to a conclusion that the Chairperson of the Board of Brand SA, Ms Thandi Tobias-Poloko, did not mislead Parliament or make any disparaging remarks as alleged by Dr Makhubela at the committee meeting that was held on 10 March 2021. The committee therefore decided to consider this matter closed.
ON THE COMPLAINT BY MS MAZZONE AGAINST MR PAULSEN
In the matter referred by the Speaker regarding a complaint by Ms Natasha Mazzone against Mr Nazier Paulsen, the committee considered among others a complaint by Ms Mazzone, a response by Mr Paulsen and an opinion by senior counsel. The committee accepted the advice by senior counsel that there is prima facie evidence for the committee to sustain a charge of threatened assault, in terms of section 7(d) of the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act. The committee therefore resolved to pursue the charges against Mr Nazier Paulsen.
The committee also accepted the recommendation to appoint an initiator in line with the provisions of the Act. The committee has also decided to add a charge of contempt of Parliament against Mr Paulsen for his conduct against the Presiding Officer on the day, the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly.
The committee would also like to express serious reservations against the conduct of one of its Members during today’s proceedings. The committee was forced to remove one of its Members, Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, from the virtual platform due to the conduct he displayed which was inconsistent with the Rules of Parliament.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE POWERS AND PRIVILEGES COMMITTEE, MR PHILLY MAPULANE.
For media enquiries, please contact the Committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Ms Faith Ndenze
Parliamentary Communication Services
Tel: 021 403 8268
Cell: 081 377 0686
Email: fndenze@parliament.gov.za
Arrange a tour