COMMENTS BY PARLIAMENTARY STAFFER ON ANC'S INFO BILL DECISION

30 September 2011

The Office of the ANC Chief Whip has noted with serious concern and disappointment an interview published in a daily newspaper carrying comments by an unnamed parliamentary "senior official", attacking ANC's decision on the Protection of Information Bill.

The ANC, which is not averse to criticism, stands ready at all times to defend itself from any form of attack from its political or ideological opponents. However, what we can neither afford nor tolerate as a critical part of this institution is having parliamentary staff members, who are expected to remain politically impartial, venturing into a political terrain and launching political attacks against a political party in the media.

It is unprecedented anywhere in the world that a member of staff in Parliament, whether knowingly or anonymously, engages in public political mudslinging with a political party represented in Parliament and discredits the political decisions it takes. Such conduct grossly undermines the integrity of the institution and breaches the principle of impartiality that is expected of all parliament support staff.

We welcome Parliament's official statement condemning and distancing itself from this individual's deplorable conduct, whom we regard as a bad apple amongst a good team of parliament staff. 

We will request for an investigation to be conducted so that any person found guilty will face disciplinary measurers in line with the institution's policy.

Statement issued by the ANC Office of the Chief Whip, September 30 2011

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