GOOD statement by Brett Herron,
GOOD: Secretary-General & Member of Parliament
10 June 2022
No form of violence should ever be acceptable, or necessary, in the Parliament of South Africa.
The events we saw in the National Assembly over the past two days were deeply disturbing. In stead of focusing on the crucial Presidency Budget Vote, the House was degraded into a state of disgusting violence.
The rules of Parliament that provide for the removal of a member from the House, is not intended to be an opportunity to provoke a forced eviction. Members who are asked to leave the House, in terms of the rules of Parliament, should leave without having to be forced.
We regret to hear that some members were injured and required medical attention, but it is equally regrettable that some members were seen assaulting Parliamentary staff.
As members, we are there to conduct the business of the people of South Africa – and the people of South Africa rely on us to provide leadership and solutions, not chaos and disrespect.
However, the focus on the allegations against President Cyril Ramaphosa was not unexpected, as serious unanswered questions remain around the controversial theft on his farm in 2020.
The President has now indicated that he will take the counsel and the suggestions made by some parties in Parliament into consideration, as they have raised valid points that he needs to consider, while the law also needs to run its course.
As GOOD, we will continue to put the people of South Africa first, not only by holding the President accountable, but also through responsible leadership in Parliament.
Media enquiries:
Brett Herron, GOOD: Secretary-General & Member of Parliament
Cell: 0825183264
Email: bretth@forgood.org.za
Janke Tolmay, GOOD: Media Manager
Cell: 0733671223
Email: janke@forgood.org.za