Issued by: Gauteng Legislature
MEDIA STATEMENT
Following the walkout yesterday during a meeting of the Standing Committee on Public Safety and Security by Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs) from the democratic Party, Inkatha Freedom Party, National Party and Freedom Front, the Speaker, Mr Trevor Fowler, today called a meeting of all party Whips in an effort to resolve the impasse.
The meeting identified the key issue at the centre of the dispute as empowerment of the Standing Committee members with information to consider the question of Metropolitan Policing. The Whips agreed that discussions be held at party causes and study groups, to consider how such empowerment should be promoted.
Among the options to be considered are a request to Ms Jessie Duarte, MEC for Public Safety and Security, for a report on Metropolitan Policing, which would include observations from a recent visit that she undertook to the United States of America, in order to study methods there; and/or that a study visit to the United States be made by the Committee, to observe methods of such policing.
The meeting expressed different interpretations of the principle of Separation of Powers, as it applies with regard to a Member of the Executive Council appointing a delegation to accompany them on study tours. Also expressed was a perception of unfairness "in that the Executives usually appoint only members of their political parties to accompany them on study tours".
The Speaker urged all the parties present to continue to be committed to the finely crafted democratic process within the Legislature, and to prevent the issue form tearing the established harmony, trust andco-operation apart.
Present at the meeting were the Whips of the African National Congress, Democratic Party and the National Party. The Freedom Front had sent an apology, as well as a declaration that they would agree with the views expressed by the Democratic Party. The other three parties, IFP, PAC and ACDP all have voting and speaking rights, and since they are not members of the Standing Committee, they are not included in the count to form a quorum.
The walkout yesterday only affects participation in the Standing Committee, and not in the House.
MOEMISE MOTSEPE (Media Liaison Officer)
(Issued by the Communication Department of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature)