Modise to decide on vote for removal of public protector
NATIONAL Assembly Speaker Thandi Modise is set to make a decision on the vote relating to the removal of the public protector.
This comes after both the ANC and DA rejected calls by smaller parties to be given the right to vote in these proceedings.
UDM leader Bantu Holomisa had earlier written to Modise asking that small parties in the ad hoc committee be given the same voting status as other bigger parties as the committee conducts an inquiry into the fitness of Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane to hold office.
But the ANC and the DA shot down the proposal yesterday during the meeting of the rules committee chaired by Deputy Speaker Lechesa Tsenoli. Tsenoli said Modise would now look into the matter.
“As you know, the Speaker referred this to the rules committee to discuss so that when she makes a determination she has an understanding of the view of the rules committee.
“Honourable members, that is where we will leave this matter to convey the substance of this meeting to the Speaker to determine the view, which she will communicate to all parties having given us as the rules committee to reflect on it,” said Tsenoli.
ANC chief whip Pemmy Majodina indicated that they would not allow smaller parties to have the weighted vote because the rules of the National Assembly did not provide for this.
She maintained that the rules were clear on the processes needed to be followed when establishing such a committee.
Majodina said small parties were part of discussions in the formulation of the rules of the National Assembly.
“The rules are saying we established this committee for the duration of the sixth term, and I was saying the parties were part of that meeting on the 5th of June,” said Majodina.
DA chief whip Natasha Mazzone said larger parties in Parliament had been put there by the voters and it would be unfair for smaller parties to be allowed to vote in these committees. They were precluded by the rules.