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The allegations levelled against the Chief Whip of the ANC in Parliament
by some opposition parties that he used the parliamentary Conference on
Nation Building through Social Dialogue with the religious sector for
“his own political agenda” are malicious and without basis.

The malicious claims that the parliamentary inter-faith event turned
into an ANC rally stems from the following perceptions relating to the
event:
 

• The singing of pro-ANC slogans at the event
•  The wearing of ANC Women’s League regalia at the event
• The speech of the Chief Whip at the event, which was deemed ‘political’
•  The claim by some parties that they were not invited

Firstly, it is unheard of that attendees of parliamentary and government
events must neither be dressed in their political party gear nor sing
revolutionary songs. Members of the public have always worn the gear of
their choices, including those with colours of their parties, and
chanted political slogans at parliamentary and government-organised
events such as People’s Assembly, Youth Day and Women’s Day. This does
not make those events ‘ANC rallies’. Those who make these claims must
come out and clearly state if they wished to criminalise political
slogans or wearing party colours at such events.

Secondly, it is absurd that interfaith event should be branded a party
rally merely because of the remarks of the ANC Chief Whip. It is ironic
that those who have anointed themselves advocates of freedom of speech
would wish to prescribe to others what they should or should not say on
public platforms.

Thirdly, the event was organised by the multi-party Parliamentary
Interfaith Committee (PIC) – a committee that was established by the
resolution of the House two years ago. The parties that have complained
about not being invited enjoy significant representation in that
committee, and were party to the preparatory meetings for this event.
The responsibility therefore rested with those party members to take
their parties on board and encourage them to support and attend the
event. If these party’s representatives slept on the job, showed little
interest in the affairs of or are ignorant of the programmes of the
committee, such cannot be blamed on the parties that do the opposite.

The conference – which was jointly hosted by the PIC and the National
Interfaith Council of SA and was attended by over 400 delegates
representing various faith-based organisations across the country – was
in recognition of the important role the interfaith movement plays in
the resolution of conflicts, creation of peace, nation building and
development.

The hosting of this conference by Parliament augured well for the
institution’s activist character, at the centre of which is the
advancement of people-centred programmes that are responsive to the
needs and aspirations of the people. Its objectives included partnering
with religious communities in pursuit of nation-building and social
cohesion for the creation of a stable and prosperous society.

We commend MPs from parties such as the ANC and the ACDP for
participating in this important event.

It is a sad day that the integrity of this successful event with such
noble objectives is being tarnished by petty and unnecessary political
squabbling.