Speaker Mbete said "Parliament recognises the democratic right of any political party to choose not to participate in proceedings, and therefore notes the decision of the EFF not to participate in the debate of the State of the Nation Address. This announcement robs their constituency of an opportunity to express their views on matters of national importance."
Parliament has also expressed concern about members of society including some Faith Based organisations, who are jumping onto the bandwagon of criticising the Presiding Officers and Parliament's handling of national debates without understanding the applicable regulations governing Parliamentary processes.
She said: "Parliament acknowledges that more needs to be done to better inform and empower the citizens, not only about the principles of constitutional democracy, but also the regulatory framework governing the operations, including the sittings of the two Houses of Parliament, the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces. This need is graphically reflected by some commentators who jump onto the bandwagon without understanding the rules applied by the Presiding Officers, particularly during the recent State of the Nation Address presentation."
Speaker Mbete committed to avail herself to meet with key stakeholders so as to engage them and address the matter. She said: "we will be embarking on a public education campaign".
The Speaker denounced the "un-parliamentary language" and unacceptable conduct by some members of Parliament during the debate on the State of the Nation Address.
Parliament is still awaiting feedback from the police and the Ministry of Defence and Military Veterans regarding the forensic analysis of a powdery substance found in the public gallery, and allegations of the presence of armed members of the SANDF on the Parliamentary precinct on the 9 February 2017.
Speaker Mbete also dismissed allegations that one official of the Parliamentary Protection Services is currently a member of the South African Police Services. She said these allegations were based on mis-information as the former police officials cited had long joined the Parliamentary Protection Services (PPS). She denounced the allegations as bordering on irresponsible conduct which seeks to undermine the integrity of Parliament and its PPS. She condemned the apparent social media intimidation campaign against the PPS officials, whose names and faces are being circulated, followed by threats and insults.
Parliament reiterates that it has sufficient capacity for dealing with disruptive conduct, and has not called for any additional support by police to physically remove Members of Parliament from the Chamber.
This afternoon, President Jacob Zuma will be replying to the joint sitting of Parliament after two days of a robust debate on his State of the Nation Address.
ISSUED BY PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
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