All parties responsible for maintaining decorum and respect so that Parliament can exercise its constitutional functions
The Presiding Officers have noted the comments made at a media briefing by some opposition parties in Parliament on 19 March 2015. Specifically, the Presiding Officers note the repeated, unfounded assertions where, as they manage the business of Parliament, they are often accused of either protecting the President or acting in a biased, partisan manner. In examining these issues objectively, it is quite clear that they are without basis and are not supported by fact.
The fifth democratic Parliament has experienced unprecedented events which have had the potential to impact negatively on the ability of Parliament to carry out its mandate. These unfortunate events are unique to the fifth Parliament.
In terms of the Constitution, Members of Parliament have freedom of speech subject to Parliament’s rules and orders. The rules of Parliament must be respected. Disruptions and disorder can only contribute to undermining Parliament’s constitutional functions. The matter of the decorum of Parliament continues to receive attention.
In our meeting with parties we all agreed that maintaining decorum in Parliament is the responsibility of all the parties. Therefore, the Presiding Officers urge parties to commit through action to achieving this stated desire of our people. It is our humble wish that parties will conduct their business with utmost maturity that shows respect of one another as duly elected representatives of the people, of the Presiding Officers as custodians of the rules and representing the authority of Parliament and of the public, who expect us to perform our constitutional duties.
Parliament has structures within which matters pertaining to its business are discussed. While parties are at liberty to pursue their own programmes, the temptation to involve the Presiding Officers in their political strategies should be avoided.
It is necessary to restate that Section 4 of the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act (Act 4 of 2004) empowers the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces to call the security services to perform a policing function in the precincts of Parliament, including the Chambers.
The Presiding Officers are confident that current engagements between the Presiding Officers and Party Leaders will go a long way in affirming the integrity of Parliament and ensuring that it is able to function. At the last meeting there was recognition of the need to allow matters currently before the courts to run their course. The Presiding Officers are committed to that.
