The Powers and Privileges Committee has concluded its investigation into the disruption of the Presidency budget vote debate in 2022 by members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
Chairperson of the committee, Manketsi Tlhape, announced that the committee’s report will be presented to the House on Tuesday.
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The committee’s findings indicate that EFF members Sinawo Tambo, Naledi Chirwa, Natasha Ntlangwini, and other party members were involved in the disruption of the budget vote debate.
EFF MP Mbuyiseni Ndlozi objected to the committee’s report, while African National Congress (ANC) Deputy Chief Whip Doris Dlakude expressed support for the committee’s findings. Dlakude stated that consultations with chief whips from other parties have taken place, and the report will be tabled in the House for adoption.
Guilty Verdict and Recommendations
The committee found that in June 2022, several EFF members disrupted the Presidency budget vote debate in the House over a period of two days. Victor Ngaleka, adviser to the Powers and Privileges Committee, revealed that the EFF members were found guilty of various charges.
Ngaleka explained, “It was alleged that they committed various breaches, including disregarding the authority of the chair, acting in a manner that was grossly disorderly, refusing to leave the chamber when ordered to do so, and they had to be physically removed from the chamber. The committee found all members guilty as charged.”
The committee recommended that Sinawo Tambo, Natasha Ntlangwini, and Mothusi Montwedi be suspended without pay for a month. As for Naledi Chirwa, Babalwa Mathulelwa, and Paulnita Marais, it was recommended that they have a month’s salary deducted.
Isaac Mafanya and Yoliswa Yako will have half of their salaries docked. Additionally, all EFF members involved in the disruption have been instructed to apologize to President Cyril Ramaphosa, the Speaker, and the nation for their conduct.
Repeat Offenders
This is not the first time that members of the EFF have faced consequences for disruptive behaviour. Earlier this year, EFF leader Julius Malema, his deputy Floyd Shivambu, and four other party members were suspended for a month for disrupting the State of the Nation Address (SONA) by President Ramaphosa.
Their suspension occurred during this year’s SONA, and their attempts to have the suspension lifted through the High Court in the Western Cape were unsuccessful.
The repeated instances of disruptive behaviour by EFF members highlight the need for maintaining decorum and respect within the parliamentary chambers.
The Powers and Privileges Committee’s findings and recommendations serve as a reminder that all members of parliament are expected to adhere to the rules and regulations governing their conduct. Disruptive behaviour not only hinders the democratic process but also undermines the integrity of the institution and the respect it commands from the public.
