North West Legislature Speaker rejects insinuations made by the DA and EFF on unilateral running of the House
The Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature, Hon. Sussana Dantjie, regrets the insinuations made by the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) that she “again denied them the right to participate in the proceedings” with the contempt it deserves.
The Speaker would like to place on record that never, now nor in the past, has the Speaker ever denied anyone to participate in the proceedings of the house. “The standing rules of the Legislature states clearly that the Chief Whip of the house is responsible for arranging the Legislature business in the Order Paper subject to the rules and the directives of the Programming Committee; and Political consultation among Parties in the Legislature”, said the Hon Speaker.
This was complied with and Parties, specifically those who chose to walk out of the house during the sitting on 26 April 2016, the DA and EFF, failed to report their disagreement to the Speaker before the sitting. However, when the DA raised the matter in the House, the Speaker made a ruling that “Party Whips should meet and resolve the matters in disagreement and report back” to her.
Unfortunately the two parties chose to walkout of the house in a rush to grandstand and reported the distorted facts to the public.
“If there were any disagreements between the parties about any matter that should or should not be on the order paper that should have been brought to the attention of the Speaker, before the house sitting not during the sitting as the DA did.
The Rules book state clearly what should be done and they know it. It is unacceptable for them to come and bring the Legislature’s name and my name into disrepute whereas they know the processes to follow”, said the Hon Speaker.
The DA and EFF had called a press conference following a walkout they staged during the Legislature House Sitting on Tuesday. “Rule 114 as quoted by the DA has nothing to do with the incident that happened. It is also important to note the fact that it is not the first time the House did not deal with motions and statements,’ said Hon. Speaker.
Following the Speaker’s ruling on the matter as stated above, parties’ whips met late Tuesday afternoon and they are yet to report back to the Speaker. The Honourable Dantjie believes strongly that her ruling on the matter was fair and in the best interest of the community members who in their numbers attended the sitting to hear how public funds will be spent.
For further enquiries please contact:
Tebogo Chaane
Cell: 072 330 9494
