Parliamentary Oversight Committee receives report on events in the National Assembly on 13 November
The multiparty Parliamentary Oversight Authority (POA) meeting today received a report from Acting Secretary to Parliament, Ms Penelope Tyawa, about events on 13 November which led to the removal from the National Assembly (NA) Chamber of Ms Reneiloe Mashabela and four drafts of recommendations for maintaining order in the House.
The documents were circulated to POA members and will be discussed at the next POA meeting. Ms Mashabela, a Member of the Economic Freedom Fighters, was removed from the House after she repeatedly refused to abide by the instruction of the Presiding Officer, Mr Cedric Frolick, including an order to leave the House.
The Sergeant-at-arms, Ms Regina Mohlomi, was called to remove Ms Mashabela from the Chamber. When her attempts failed, Ms Mohlomi called for assistance from Parliamentary Protection Services and subsequently from the South African Police Service.
In terms of the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act of 2004 the police may, with the permission of and under the authority of the Speaker of the NA or the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, perform any policing function in the precinct.
The POA also heard that during the scuffle which followed, two members of the police were assaulted. Two cases of assault were opened by the police at the Cape Town Central Police Station.
With regard to the termination of video feeds, the report cites Parliament’s Policy on Filming and Broadcasting. This provides for the continuation of broadcasts during continued incidents of grave disorder or unparliamentary behaviour in the Chamber for as long as the proceedings continue.
Shortly after the announcement of the suspension of the sitting on 13 November video feeds were terminated as per the policy. When the proceedings resumed the feeds were resumed and terminated again when the sitting was adjourned a few minutes later.
On a related matter, a complaint has been lodged with the Secretary to the National Assembly regarding derogatory and abusive remarks directed at the Presiding Officer, Mr Frolick, following the action by the police.
