23 Nov 2021

The Leader of Opposition, Mr Dumelang Saleshando has urged the Speaker of Parliament to exercise parity at all times.

In a statement he released in Parliament on Friday, Mr Saleshando asked the speaker to reflect on the manner in which he presided over parliamentary sessions.

“It is apparent that the incessant interruptions by the Leader of the House and Vice President, Mr Slumber Tsogwane calling upon you to make rulings that are not grounded on the standing orders and treat the opposition unfairly are having an impact on your decisions,” said Mr Saleshando.

He said the speaker should be the most addicted to upholding the standing orders, presiding in a fair and just manner as well as ‘protecting the minority against the tyranny of the majority.’

The statement was in relation to Mr Saleshando’s suspension from Parliament on July 28 following his sentiments during a parliamentary debate on the imposition of the State of Public Emergency.

Mr Saleshando had opposed the proposal to declare a state of public emergency.

He contended that the motive for the imposition of the state of public emergency was suspicious and a possible precursor to the looting of public funds.

The Speaker instructed Mr Saleshando to withdraw his statement as in his view he had failed to substantiate his statement. The Leader of Opposition refused to withdraw the statement hence  standing order 60.4 was invoked and Mr Saleshando was suspended from Parliament through a vote.

Mr Saleshando approached the high court for an interim interdict pending the review proceedings against the speakers decision.

Although the speaker and the attorney general opposed the application, the court granted the interdict, thus allowing Mr Saleshando back into the National Assembly.

The high court had ruled that the speaker violated Mr Saleshando’s constitutional rights in applying the standing orders incorrectly.

The decision by the Speaker was set aside as it was found not only unconstitutional, but also irrational and unprocedural in the review application.
No appeal has been entered, making the decision final.

Mr Saleshando said he decided to bring the judgement to Parliament’s attention for closure following numerous requests from the Vice President for a briefing on how the matter was concluded.

He said his refusal to withdraw his submissions was never motivated by the desire to undermine the authority of the speaker or to disrespect him, as was alleged by the leader of the house and the ruling party MPs.

“On the contrary, it was premised on my firm believe that in the responsible discharge of my duties, I must represent those who voted me to the National Assembly by expressing my views openly and freely without fear on any issue,” he said. ENDS