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During yesterday's budget vote on the Department International Relations and Cooperation, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP Nazir Paulsen referred to a DA MP as a “k****”.

I raised this matter in this morning’s Whip’s Forum and was assured by the ANC Chief Whip, Jackson Mthembu, that he would personally take the matter up with the speaker, Baleka Mbete. Further, that the general degradation of discourse and decorum during the debates was a growing concern and would be addressed as well.

We look forward to feedback on these discussions and the proposed multi-party meetings. In the meantime I have submitted a complaint to the Registrar of the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members' Interests and requested that she investigate Paulsen's remarks and behaviour during the debate.

Paulsen’s despicable behaviour yesterday simply reaffirmed that the EFF remains a party that is determined to divide, and not unite South Africans. The DA will do whatever we can to ensure that South Africa is a nation united in our diversity as we believe that this is the kind of change that will move SA forward again.

Issued by DA