Speaker of the National Assembly Thoko Didiza has noted with concern the "unfortunate developments" at the Ad Hoc Committee established to investigate allegations made by the KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
During the proceedings on Thursday, one of the witnesses, Paul O’Sullivan, walked out while giving evidence before the committee.
“Parliamentary committees are constitutionally mandated to conduct oversight, gather evidence, and interrogate matters of public importance in a manner that upholds the dignity, authority and integrity of Parliament. Witnesses appearing before committees are expected to cooperate fully with proceedings and to respect the authority of Parliament,” Parliament said in a statement.
The Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act, 2004, expressly prohibits any person from improperly interfering with or impeding the exercise by Parliament or its committees of their authority or functions.
The Act further prohibits creating or taking part in any disturbance while a committee is meeting.
The Speaker said she is concerned about the implications of this conduct for Parliament’s ability to discharge its constitutional obligation to exercise oversight and to thoroughly interrogate the serious allegations that are before the Ad Hoc Committee.
The Speaker has requested an urgent report from the Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee, Molapi Lekganyane, detailing the events of proceedings, including the circumstances surrounding the witness’s departure.
“Upon receipt and consideration of this report, the Speaker will determine what action, if any, may be necessary in terms of the Powers and Privileges Act and the Rules of the National Assembly to safeguard the integrity of Parliament and to ensure that its constitutional mandate is not undermined.
“Parliament remains committed to ensuring that its processes are conducted in accordance with the Constitution, the law, and its established Rules, and that oversight is exercised firmly, fairly and without fear or favour,” the statement said. – SAnews.gov.za
