Ruling by Deputy Speaker Nomaindia Mfeketo on Minister Blade Nzimande use of the word "darkie" in the debate on President Zuma's State of the Nation Address, National Assembly, February 16 2011

UNPARLIAMENTARY LANGUAGE

(Ruling)

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon members, before I call hon Ditshetelo, I want to give rulings. Hon members, a number of points of orders were raised yesterday during the speech by the hon Minister of Higher Education and Training. I undertook to study the Hansard and return to the House with a ruling.

In the first instance, hon Mazibuko raised a point of order to contest whether the use of the word "Darkies" by the hon Minister was parliamentary. In considering whether a word is parliamentary or not, the Chair's judgement depends on the nature of the word and the context in which it is used. The way in which a remark is made or the tone can make a difference. This said, I wish to emphasise that good temper and moderation are the characteristics of parliamentary language. Offensive and inflammatory language should be avoided.

Indeed, Parliament is the highest forum of debate in our land and should set the example, especially when it comes to the use of racial terms and expressions. I must indicate that I did not immediately consider the term offensive, given the context and tone of proceedings. But after consideration and in view of the conversation of this House, I must agree that the word might be seen as a racial label and could easily be considered derogatory by some people. I accept that perhaps certain sections of society may not necessarily view the label as such, especially when used in a particular context. However, rulings by the Chair should always seek to uphold the decorum of the House.

I would therefore, like to urge members generally, to avoid language which could be construed as offensive and provocative by others. Related to this, the hon Lekota essentially asked me to rule whether a member who criticises the government could justifiably be called a racist. While I cannot rule on hypothetical questions, regardless of their context, I will repeat the previous ruling that it is always unparliamentary for a member of this House to accuse another of being racist. In this case there is no record that the Minister did make such an accusation against a member.

UNPARLIAMENTARY LANGUAGE

(Ruling)

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Further, hon member, I wish to rule on a point of order raised by hon Ellis in the same debate in which he objected to another remark by the hon Minister. The hon Minister said and I quote:

"You actually launched security to go and shoot innocent workers in Houtbay because they are too close to a whole range of areas."

Mr Ellis in his point of order stated the following:

"The hon Minister is standing there and deliberately inciting us by referring to us as shooting people in the townships. I am sure what he said is totally and utterly unparliamentary."

In responding to the point of order, the Chair's determination of whether the remark is unparliamentary or not, centres around the interpretation of the word "you". In other words, was the Minister referring to the DA as the party or was he referring to the DA members of this House? It is not the same thing. In practice, reflections on political parties have been accepted. In this particular case, the Minister's remark could be interpreted as either. Given the ambiguity and the context provided by the preceding and subsequent statements, I have decided to grant the Minister the benefit of doubt. I will therefore not ask him to withdraw the remark. Order, hon member!

I again appeal to members of this House, as public representatives, to moderate their language and maintain the standing in which this House would always seek to be held. Thank you very much. That is the ruling. [Applause.]

Mr I O DAVIDSON: Madam Deputy Speaker, may I just seek clarity in respect of one of the rulings that you have made? In respect of the word "darkie" used by the hon Minister Nzimande, is he being asked to retract that or not?

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: No, you were not listening. No!

Source: Unrevised Transcript, February 16 2011

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