ANC NEC STATEMENT ON RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN PARLIAMENT

20 SEPTEMBER 2014

The African National Congress National Executive Committee is currently sitting at an ordinary meeting at St. George's Hotel Irene in Tshwane. Amongst the issues discussed today has been the concerning developments in Parliament, particularly the obvious intention to humiliate and embarrass the President and the Deputy President whenever they appear in the House. The President goes to Parliament as Head of State for public consideration of issues and to account to the nation on the work of the Executive.

The National Executive Committee advises and appeals to Parliament to urgently resolve the challenges facing it and restore to the House the necessary dignity and decorum, appreciation of its rules ensuring that it becomes once again a House which South Africans can be proud of. The NEC cautions against continuing this trend of negatively exposing the Head of State to disrespect and intended humiliation by a fringe group committed to undermining democracy.

The NEC accepts that Members of the Cabinet are accountable collectively and individually to Parliament for the exercise of their powers and the performance of their functions. In the same vein, Parliament has a responsibility and a duty to ensure that the President continues to account to the public without him and his office being subjected to behaviour which undermines this important institution and the very foundation of our democracy.

Even after this unbecoming conduct, the President and the Deputy President commit to be accountable to Parliament.  They will, in the exercise of their accountability, also continue to engage the people of South Africa through various other platforms including direct contact with our people such as the recently relaunched Izimbizo forums.

Statement issued by Gwede Mantashe, ANC Secretary General, September 20 2014

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