Parliament safety and security a necessity and critical multi-party concern
Contrary to a Sunday newspaper report yesterday, improvements to the safety and security capacity of Parliament have less to do with what Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Baleka Mbete, “wants” and everything to do with the safety and security of Members of Parliament, the public, media and guests of Parliament.
The report refers to “draconian measures to boost security” in Parliament. Information is sourced from Members who formed part of a meeting convened by Ms Mbete and Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Ms Thandi Modise, on Wednesday to give feedback to Leaders of Parties regarding their concerns following the unprecedented security breaches in May.
At a subsequent meeting following universal condemnation of violent scene in Parliament characterised by injuries and damage to property, Parties raised serious concerns about the institution’s vulnerability and state of security. They requested Presiding Officers and Secretary to Parliament to look into the matter.
At the time the Presiding Officers undertook to institute an investigation to ascertain where there were security weaknesses and committed to work with urgency to rectify these. “This in an undertaking and a commitment we make to the Members, Parties, employees and South Africans generally,” they said in a statement.
The feedback provided to Parties on Wednesday provided information on an assessment and recommendations which have now been concluded in response to express concerns by Parties at the previous meeting.
In addition to providing the feedback, the Presiding Officers were also executing their responsibility in terms of the requirements of the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act.
The Act requires the Speaker and the Chairperson, subject to the Act, the standing rules and resolutions of the Houses, to exercise joint control and authority over the precincts on behalf of Parliament.
In going about the assessment the Presiding Officers were guided by constitutional requirements specifically section 199 which stipulates that the security services of the Republic consist of a single defence force, a single police service and any intelligence services established in terms of the Constitution.
The events of May this made it abundantly clear that Parliament does not have the luxury of reliance on reactive measures in dealing with security threats. It would be remiss and outright dangerous of the institution to do so.
Any safety and security measures however will be considered and implemented in line with the constitutional requirement of openness, transparency and accessibility which have all been the hallmarks of the democratic Parliament.
The work of Parliament remains a central pillar in ensuring delivery of quality basic services to the people of this country. South Africans are entitled to have a functional and efficient Parliament promised to them by the Constitution.
