Parliament’s Presiding Officers, Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Baleka Mbete, and Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Ms Thandi Modise, have requested Secretary to Parliament, Mr Gengezi Mgidlana, to look into two incidents which occurred during last night’s State of the Nation Address.
The incidents include problems with mobile phone connectivity which were reported in the Press Bay as well as the microphone at the podium which malfunctioned for a short while at the start of the proceedings and address by the President.
Although the organisation of the event in the main proceeded well, it was hosted in the context of a number of challenges. Threats to disrupt the event were also made repeatedly in the media ahead of the event from a number of quarters. The investigation will also consider these aspects.
The Presiding Officers will also be considering appropriate action in relation to incidents which led to eviction of some members from the Chamber. Protection Services had to be called in when members refused to leave the chamber after a ruling by the Presiding Officers.
The Presiding Officers have undertaken to work even harder with political parties to ensure that the incidents witnessed yesterday do not recur. “What occurred today should never again be allowed to occur,” the NCOP Chairperson said.
The Presiding Officers will host a media briefing in due course to address these matters.
