South African Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday praised the work done by Parliament during the first two terms of the year, but expressed “grave concern” over the recent violent disruptions in the institution.
In an review of the current environment in Parliament, Ramaphosa said that during the first two parliamentary terms of the year, Parliament had continued to process “transformative legislation, scrutinise the activities of departments and other state institutions and deliberate on matters of national importance”.
It had passed a national budget that sustained government’s programme to tackle poverty and promote economic growth while ensuring that public spending and borrowing was carefully managed he said.
“Despite the valuable work done in this Fifth Democratic Parliament, recent events in Parliament are a grave cause for concern.
“Proceedings have been disrupted on a number of occasions in a manner that undermines the proper functioning of Parliament,” Ramaphosa said.
“Of particular concern, is the violent nature of some of these disruptions. Refusal to adhere to the rules of the Assembly undermines the integrity of the institution and demonstrates disdain for the will of the people. The efforts of a small minority of MPs to impose, through force and intimidation, their will on Parliament reflects a contempt for the principles of democracy.
“While claiming to be exercising free expression they are effectively denying the free expression of others. The ability of the Executive to account has been undermined, particularly by efforts to prevent President Jacob Zuma from addressing the House.”
Ramaphosa said Cabinet welcomed the determination of the majority of MPs to respect the rules, uphold the dignity and advance the transformative work of Parliament.
“Cabinet calls on all parties to work together to ensure that the rules and procedures are applied consistently, fairly, and without fear, favour or prejudice,” he added. “As the Executive, we reject in the strongest terms any attempt, in whatever form, to suppress debate or silence dissent.”
Ramaphosa further said the Executive continued to take seriously its responsibility to account to Parliament, with Ministers and officials regularly engaging with Parliamentary committees and participating actively in plenary debates.
According to Ramaphosa, Ministers, who appear in the National Assembly and National Council of Provinces to answer questions, had responded well to a substantial increase in the number of questions for written reply. “In 2009, over 2,000 written questions were put to Ministers, while by the end of 2015, the total number exceeded 4,000.”
“Even with this significant increase, the proportion of questions answered each year has exceeded 95%.”
– African News Agency (ANA)
