BLOCKED ACCESS TO NCOP CHAMBER DURING PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS REGRETTED

Parliament, Thursday 6 November 2014 - It has been brought to the attention of the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Ms Thandi Modise, that members of the media and Parliamentary officials were prevented from entering the NCOP Chamber today while President Jacob Zuma was delivering his annual address to the Council.

An official, not from Parliament's Protection Services, blocked entry into the public gallery of the Chamber while the President was delivering his address. It was also reported that the official was rude towards members of the media and officials.

Parliament apologises for this untoward hindering of access to its work.

Parliament reaffirms its commitment to facilitate public involvement in the legislative and other processes of its Houses and their committees and not to exclude the public, including the media, unless it is reasonable to do so in an open and democratic society.

Today's incident will be taken up with the appropriate authorities to prevent its recurrence.

Statement issued by Parliament, November 6 2014

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