The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

Today, the Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Ms Thandi Memela,  refused points of order from Mr Dennis Bloem (Cope), Mr John Gunda (ID) and Mr Alf Lees (DA). They were reacting to a motion without notice by ANC MP in the NCOP, Ms Mmatlala Boroto, who claimed that the opposition parties had absconded from the Ad Hoc Committee on Protection of State Information Bill.

The DA, Cope and the ID had all three tendered their apologies to the Committee Chairperson yesterday as not one of these parties’ representatives were available to attend this last-minute meeting. The apologies were acknowledged.

Ms Boroto’s motion without notice today was therefore unacceptable.

She also claimed that the opposition parties were very irresponsible and undemocratic. We were unaware that being unavailable to attend a last-minute meeting was undemocratic.

The opposition parties attempted to raise points of order but were blocked.

The Deputy Chairperson of the Council refused to accept the points of order and continually interrupted Mr Bloem whilst he was trying to make his point of order.

The Deputy Chair also told Mr Gunda to sit down and that she would deal with him later.

We would say that this is undemocratic.

Mr Bloem, Mr Lees, Mr Worth and Mr Gunda subsequently walked out.

All members of parliament should be allowed to have their voices heard and we will be writing to the Chairperson of the Council to demand that Ms Memela apologise for her behaviour towards the opposition today.

We will not allow the ANC and ANC-affiliated office bearers to shut down the democratic space in Parliament.