Today's Special Multiparty Chief Whips Forum

The Office of the ANC Chief Whip appreciates this afternoon's meeting of the multiparty chief whips forum, which brings togetherchief whips from various parliamentary parties, to reflect on the unfortunate events that played out in the National Assembly on Thursday.

The meeting was held ahead of this week's two-day debate on the State of the Nation Address, which will culminate with the Presidents' reply on Thursday. All the parties agreed that what happened on Thursday was unfortunate and reflected negatively on all political parties, the institution and was an embarrassment to all South Africans.

The parties have agreed to work jointly to shun anarchy, restore order, respect the supremacy of the rules and laws governing the business of Parliament and preserve the decorum of the institution.

Regarding this week's debate and the President's reply, the parties have committed to protect the integrity of the institution, preserve order and respect the rules in order to afford all parties an opportunity to participate meaningfully in this important debate in the interest of the people of South Africa. The parties committed to continue consulting.

We commend the effort and seriousness demonstrated by all parties in the meeting to ensure a workable Parliament.

The EFF was not in attendance.

Statement issued by The Office of the ANC Chief Whip, February 16 2015

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