Text of the letter from Baleka Mbete MP, Speaker of the National Assembly, to Economic Freedom Fighters Commander in Chief Julius Malema MP, August 26 2014
26 August 2014
Mr J S Malema MP
Economic Freedom Fighters
National Assembly
Parliament of South Africa
PO BOX 15
CAPE TOWN 8000
Dear Mr Malema
REQUEST FOR THE HOUSE TO SUSPEND MEMBERS IN TERMS OF ITEM 10 OF THE SCHEDULE TO THE RULES OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
I refer to the events during Questions to the President on 21 August 2014, when members of the Economic Freedom Fighters after expressing dissatisfaction with a reply by the President proceeded to conduct themselves in a manner that, amongst others:
1. improperly interfered with or impeded the exercise or performance by the House of its authority or functions;
2. improperly interfered with the performance by a member of his or her functions as a member; or
3. created a disturbance within the precincts of Parliament while the House was meeting.
These actions, including willfully failing or refusing to obey rules and orders of the House, interfered with the performance by the Speaker and other members of their constitutional functions and ultimately impeded the House's ability to conduct and conclude its business.
Visual footage of the events confirms that you undermined the authority of the Chair, actively participated in the disruption or disturbance of the proceedings in the Chamber and impeded the House's ability to conduct and conclude the business of the day.
After due deliberation and consultation, I have decided to refer the incident to the Powers and Privileges Committee in accordance with section 12 of the powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act No 4 of 2004. The Committee will thereafter report to the Assembly on its findings and recommendations.
I further wish to inform you that, while the Committee is considering the matter, I intend to request the House to suspend you for a period of 14 days without remuneration in terms of item 10 of the Schedule to the Rules of the National Assembly. You are herewith given the opportunity to provide me with wriitten reasons why you should not be suspended by no later than 13:00 on Friday, 29 August 2014.
Yours sincerely
B Mbete MP
Speaker of the National Assembly
Source: www.effighters.org.za (transcribed from the PDF)
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