John Steenhuisen Faces Potential Consequences For Alleged Unparliamentary Language

The leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA), John Steenhuisen, may find himself in a precarious position following allegations that he used unparliamentary language during a parliamentary session.

The incident in question occurred when Steenhuisen was accused of making gestures while Al Jama-ah leader Ganief Hendricks was speaking.

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ANC MP Zola Mlenzana raised a point of order, claiming that Steenhuisen’s actions were denigrating towards Hendricks. Mlenzana stated that Steenhuisen was laughing and suggested that he was insinuating that Hendricks was “mad.”

The controversy arose when Hendricks praised President Cyril Ramaphosa for taking Israel to the International Court of Justice during a debate on the State of the Nation Address.

National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula intervened and questioned Steenhuisen about the allegations. Steenhuisen responded by explaining that he had merely scratched his head and laughed.

However, Mapisa-Nqakula expressed her disappointment in Steenhuisen’s behaviour, reminding him that as the leader of a political party, he should conduct himself better.

Mapisa-Nqakula emphasised that no member of parliament should be labelled as “mad” and cautioned Steenhuisen against repeating such remarks. ANC deputy chief whip Doris Dlakude also voiced her concern, stating that party leaders should not mislead the House.

Mapisa-Nqakula promised to review the video footage and provide a ruling on the matter. According to parliamentary rules, members are prohibited from using unparliamentary language, offensive gestures, or disrespectful behaviour. Violations of these rules may result in consequences, as outlined in Rule 52.

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This incident follows another recent controversy in which a DA MP was ejected for displaying inappropriate hand gestures, and another received criticism for displaying a poster inside the Chamber.

The outcome of the investigation into Steenhuisen’s alleged unparliamentary language remains to be seen, and a ruling is expected on Thursday.