The Speaker of the National Assembly, Honourable Max Sisulu, has for the second time rejected my request for a debate of public importance to be held on the growing list of state deals that have reportedly benefitted the family and friends of President Zuma. 

I resubmitted my initial request for a debate after the Presidency publicly stated that it would "welcome any debate on the current legislative mechanisms for parliamentary oversight over the Executive."

If MPs' heated response yesterday to questions asked to the President on this matter is anything to go by, there is clearly an appetite for a robust debate on this matter. Yesterday in Parliament President Zuma stated unequivocally that Cabinet was not considering ways to improve the transparency of state deals in which family members of the executive were involved.

The Presidency is on record as welcoming a debate on this issue, but the Speaker is unwilling for this matter to be discussed in Parliament. Therefore, I will today be writing to the President to request a meeting with him, so that we can debate this matter in person.

It is essential that, when adjudicating whether a matter can be debated by the House, the Speaker makes such decisions based on the rules of Parliament and the facts before him, rather than political considerations. The DA calls for such decisions to be made impartially.

The DA's proposals to improve the transparency of state deals in which family members and friends of the President are involved is not intended to unfairly disadvantage the President, or those close to him. These proposals are about preventing corruption, and promoting accountability. It is essential that reports of influence-peddling in the highest ranks of government are subjected to the levels of scrutiny necessary to maintain public faith in our democracy. I hope that the President will acknowledge the importance of this fact, and accede to my request for a meeting.

Statement issued by Athol Trollip, MP, DA parliamentary leader, September 14 2011

Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter