DA requests Speaker Modise to remove Bongani Bongo as Committee Chairperson - pending outcome of corruption cases

28 October 2020

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has written to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Thandi Modise, to request that she urgently removes ANC Member of Parliament, Bongani Bongo, as the Chairperson of the Home Affairs Portfolio Committee, pending the outcomes of his criminal cases, one of which he was arrested for on Tuesday.

We will also request that he is immediately removed as a Chairperson of any of the public participation hearings taking place across the country regarding the change to Section 25 of the Constitution

During the DA’s Debate of National Importance on Covid-19 corruption yesterday we heard numerous speeches from ANC MPs informing the public that Parliament’s portfolios lead the charge against corruption.

How can committees lead the charge against corruption, when the very people heading them are accused and charged with corruption?

It is unthinkable that a Member of Parliament who has been arrested by the Hawks and, implicated numerous times during the Zondo Commission can remain a Portfolio Chairperson.

Bongo’s continued presence as Chairperson will only cast a cloud over the integrity of the work of the Home Affairs Committee as well as the work of Parliament in holding the Executive and public office bearers to account and in upholding the rule of law and the Constitution in South Africa.

Parliament needs to send a strong message to the people of South Africa, that those implicated in corruption and wrongdoing will be dealt with decisively by this institution.

Issued byNatasha Mazzone, Chief Whip of the Official Opposition, 28 October 2020