DEPUTY SPEAKER'S DECISION TO THROW LEKOTA OUT SOUND

12 June 2012

The Office of the ANC Chief Whip welcomes the ruling by the deputy speaker of parliament, Nomaindia Mfeketo, which declared Cope leader Mosioua Lekota's spurious charge that President Jacob Zuma has "violated his oath office" out of order. 

Lekota, who recently alleged in parliament that the president has "violated his oath of office", was sent packing for refusing to withdraw his statement when ordered to do so by the deputy speaker.

An allegation of violation of office by a head of state is a serious matter that cannot be made lightly or for mere political posturing, as Lekota has done. In terms of parliament's established practice and procedures, an MP who wishes to bring allegations of improper conduct should do so by way of a substantive motion. Parliaments all over the world have in place rules, conventions, practices and codes of conduct to which MPs must adhere in order to preserve decorum, respect and prestige of the states' legislative organs.

The ruling by the deputy speaker will indeed dissuade opportunist MPs from abusing freedom of speech and parliamentary privileges to impugn the integrity of others without following proper procedure.

Statement issued by Moloto Mothapo, Office of the ANC Chief Whip, June 12 2012

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