DA calls on Thoko Didiza to explain pro-Zuma, pro-corruption voting record in Parliament
09 July 2016
Note to editors: The following remarks were made by the Chief Whip of the Democratic Alliance, John Steenhuisen MP, while campaigning with DA Mayoral Candidate for Tshwane, Solly Msimanga.
I have today issued a challenge to the ANC’s Mayoral Candidate for Tshwane, and House Chairperson of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza MP, to explain her pro-Zuma, pro-corruption voting record in Parliament to the people of Tshwane and South Africa.
Thoko Didiza, who has been imposed as the ANC’s Mayoral Candidate in the Capital City, at Jacob Zuma’s behest, has served as a Member of Parliament in the National Assembly for some time, and been party to and supportive of a number of worrying decisions taken by the House. These include:
Voting in support of the whitewash Nkandla Report, which effectively sort to replace the Public Protector’s report, and thereby undermine the Constitution. This was the subject of a scathing judgement by the Constitutional Court.
Voting against the DA’s motion to impeach Jacob Zuma following the Constitutional Court’s determination that the President violated his Oath of Office. This was a vote against the Constitution and in support of Zuma and corruption.
Remaining silent and issuing no condemnation, as a House Chairperson, when members of the South African Police Service were allowed to come into the house and assault Members of Parliament in 2014. This was also declared to be unconstitutional by the Constitutional Court.
Remaining silent and issuing no condemnation, as a House Chairperson, when the Ethics Committee was turned into a kangaroo court by the ANC to target opposition members. This has also been the subject of a court ruling.
Remaining silent and issuing no condemnation, as a House Chairperson, when the ANC and its affiliates attacked and belittled the Public Protector throughout the Nkandla process.
Voting against the DA’s amendments to increase money allocated for EPWP jobs, drought relief, NSFAS, and anti-gang units in the SAPS.
The DA acknowledges that Ms Didiza has performed better than her colleagues when chairing the house. But Tshwane doesn’t need a good chair, they need someone who will stick to their principles, and defend their rights. On this measure, Ms Didiza has been sorely lacking. She has put Jacob Zuma and the ANC first.
We hope that Ms Didiza will use this opportunity to explain her pro-Zuma, pro-corruption record to the people, so that they can know the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
Issued by the DA, 9 July 2016
