EFF CONDUCT IN PARLIAMENT

19 June 2014

The Office of the ANC Chief Whip condemns in the strongest terms possible the atrocious behaviour in the National Assembly by the MPs of the EFF this evening following the ruling of the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces. The Chairperson had ruled the remarks by EFF leader Julius Malema as un-parliamentary following his claim in the House yesterday that ‘the ANC government killed the people of Marikana' (see eNCA report below).

The Chairperson found that Malema's utterances were false, misleading, malicious and therefore inconsistent with the decorum of the House. Malema refused to withdraw his un-parliamentary remarks and led his party members on a walkout after the presiding officer ordered him to leave the House, as directed by the Rules of the House.

During their walkout, the EFF MPs howled and barked several derogatory utterances and made disturbing gestures. Such outrageous conduct not only brought the House into disrepute, but has never been seen in the 20 year history of this democratic Parliament.

We welcome the indication by the presiding officer that Parliament will investigate the matter with a view to bring all involved in this repulsive conduct to book. Such abhorrent behaviour, disguised as ‘militancy' or ‘radicalism' makes a complete mockery of this institution and is contemptuous to the people of South Africa on whose behalf this parliament exists.

Statement issued by the Office of the ANC Chief Whip, June 19 2014

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