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The FW de Klerk Foundation welcomes the response from the Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, confirming that our submission on parliamentary disruptions has been shared with members of the National Assembly Rules Committee. Her office recognises the submission as public participation in the development of Parliament’s rules.

This follows earlier communication from the offices of the Presidency and Deputy Presidency. In its response, the Presidency stressed that penalties for breaches of the Assembly’s rules must be enforced and encouraged the Foundation to submit practical recommendations to Parliament.

The issue affects every South African. Section 55 of the Constitution requires the National Assembly to hold the Executive accountable. When disorder prevents Members of Parliament from questioning the President and Ministers, citizens lose an opportunity to obtain answers about government decisions and public spending.

There is also a financial cost. The Foundation’s research estimates that disrupted National Assembly proceedings cost approximately R12 465 per minute. An hour of disruption in a joint sitting approaches R1 million. These estimates illustrate the public resources tied up in proceedings that fail to deliver their intended oversight.

The Foundation’s recommendations focus on practical steps: apply existing rules consistently, impose appropriate penalties after fair procedures, publish the estimated costs of serious disruptions and promptly reschedule question sessions where oversight time has been lost. Robust debate and legitimate disagreement must remain protected.

Sharing the submission with Rules Committee members is a welcome step. The Speaker’s letter does not, however, confirm that the recommendations have been adopted or give a timetable for their consideration. The Foundation calls for feedback on how the proposals will be taken forward and remains available to assist.

South Africans deserve a Parliament that asks difficult questions, secures answers and uses public money responsibly.

Issued by Ismail Joosub and Alia Khan Koumantarakis on behalf of the FW de Klerk Foundation