Parliament ‘has to put stop to organisation’s disruptive behaviour’
BLACK First Land First (BLF) is in hot water for members’ conduct at a parliamentary committee meeting earlier this week.
Yesterday, the Chief Whips Forum did not mince words when urging Parliament to take action against the BLF.
This comes after BLF activists on Tuesday tried to manhandle billionaire businessman Nicky Oppenheimer and his son Jonathan when they briefed the portfolio committee on home affairs about their private terminal at OR Tambo International Airport.
The militant group had to be evicted by parliamentary protection officers amid a momentary disruption of the portfolio committee.
It was not the first time BLF was involved in a disruption of a meeting – its leader Andile Mngxitama last year verbally assaulted trade and industry portfolio committee chairperson Joan Fubbs and threatened to assault finance portfolio committee chairperson Yunus Carrim.
Speaking at a programming committee yesterday, ANC chief whip Jackson Mthembu said they felt strongly about the way BLF treated Parliament and it could not go unpunished.
“But there is a letter that is on its way from the Chief Whips Forum to the Speaker’s office,” Mthembu said.
The DA’s John Steenhuisen said he had written to Speaker Baleka Mbete indicating that it was the third time the BLF had been involved in similar activity.
“This type of behaviour can’t continue. We have to draw a line on it now,” said Steenhuisen.
He said it was actually a criminal offence to disturb or impede the House from its functions in terms of the Powers, Privilege and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act. “Really, I think we have been patient now,” Steenhuisen said.
He also said threats were made and BLF almost came to blows with persons invited by Parliament.
“I urge the Speaker to consider laying a criminal charge. We can’t continue with this type of hooliganism within Parliament.”
Steenhuisen noted that MPs were treated one way and members of the public could do what they like. “It’s really not a good reflection.”
The IFP’s Narend Singh said: “We need to resolve this issue sooner rather than later.”
The UDM’s Nqabayomzi Kwankwa said the BLF behaviour could no longer be tolerated. “They know from where they are sitting that we cannot tolerate it. If there are no consequences for the BLF, it sets a very dangerous precedent, and other people will come here and do the same thing and expect to get away with it.”
Deputy Speaker Lechesa Tsenoli said they fully supported the sentiments of the Chief Whips Forum.
“We must act and act swiftly. We have in the past expressed our disgust at this behaviour,” Tsenoli said.
The MPs heard that a case has been opened against the BLF and acting secretary Penelope Tyawa was busy finalising the report and would submit it soon.