Disturbing and inaccurate reporting on processes of Parliament
The Speaker notes reports about the meeting she had with Party Leaders regarding a report by the Minister of Police in response to the recommendations of the Ad Hoc Committee on upgrades at the private residence of the President.
It is necessary to state that, when a report is tabled in Parliament, it gets referred to a structure of Parliament for consideration, such as a portfolio committee or ad hoc committee. The committee then reports to the National Assembly.
The meeting with the Party Leaders was necessitated by engagements that have taken place between the Speaker and the Minister. She felt it necessary to share with the Party Leaders some of the issues that came up in these engagements. The intention was to tap into the collective wisdom of political leaders in exploring options for processing the report within Parliament.
On the first day the response from the leaders was positive, constructive and purposeful. On the second day, a strong element of negativity was brought in by the UDM leader, Hon. Bantu Holomisa. Nevertheless, the previous day’s proposals prevailed and were reconfirmed. They will form the basis of how the Speaker takes the matter forward.
The Speaker like all the Party Leaders, has not seen the report. There was never at any stage an attempt to censor the report or co-opt the leaders as it has been suggested. This is incorrect.
It is the Speaker's view that it should be possible to talk to Party Leaders regarding matters pertaining to parliamentary business. These interactions are never meant to replace parliamentary processes as prescribed in the rules.
The Presiding Officers welcome the openness that enables them to consult opposition party leaders on matters of importance. It can only bode well for the well functioning of Parliament.
