Parliament, Monday, 29 July 2024 – Parliament welcomes the recent judgement by the High Court of South Africa (Western Cape Division, Cape Town), which dismissed the legal challenge brought by Members of Parliament from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). This ruling upholds the decisions taken by the Presiding Officers and affirms the processes followed by Parliament in maintaining order and decorum within the legislative body.
The case originated from incidents during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on 9 February 2023. Members of the EFF, including Mr Julius Sello Malema, Mr Nyiko Floyd Shivambu, Dr Mbuyiseni Quintin Ndlozi, Mr Marshall Mzingisi Dlamini, Mr Vuyani Pambo, and Mr Sinawo Tambo, raised spurious points of order and engaged in disruptive behaviour. Despite the Speaker ordering them to cease their conduct and leave the Chamber, these members persisted, leading to their removal by the Serjeant at Arms and the Parliamentary Protection Services. Subsequently, the members were charged with contempt of Parliament for their actions which were deemed seriously detrimental to the dignity and orderly procedure of the House.
In its judgement handed down on 26 July 2024, the court meticulously examined the events and the corresponding actions taken by Parliament. The court found that the disciplinary measures imposed were consistent with the parliamentary rules and were necessary to preserve the integrity and functionality of Parliament. In dismissing the EFF members’ case, the court affirmed the correctness of the procedures and decisions implemented by the Presiding Officers.
Parliament remains committed to upholding these principles and ensuring that the parliamentary processes are not disrupted by unparliamentary behaviour. The judgement serves as a reminder of the necessity for all Members of Parliament to conduct themselves in a manner befitting their roles and to contribute positively to the democratic process.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Arrange a tour