Crack the whip on this circus

N ANCIENT Rome, the Circus was a large building which was used as a venue for fights to the death by gladiators. In modern day South Africa, our Parliament is also a circus – but as a venue for strident clashes... and as a home of clowns. That’s the impression the country – and the world – now has of our legislature, following the unseemly ruckus which erupted in the House of Assembly on Thursday.

Tempers flared and the debating chamber looked more like a drunken party brawl than a place to make laws. There were reports of blows being exchanged and even a government minister challenging a member of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) to “take this outside”. Later, cops had to intervene and some MPs were allegedly assaulted.

As entertainment, it was better than watching reality TV and hundreds of thousands of South Africans split their sides laughing on Thursday afternoon as they watched the drama unfold live.

But, there are a number of worrying aspects about what happened.

Firstly, we look – to ourselves and the rest of the world – as loutish, violent protesters who try to solve issues with loud voices or fists. Secondly, the circus diverted attention, and energy, away from the primary role of Parliament, which is to produce the framework upon which our country is run.

How are our people expected to respect the product of that parliamentary work when the representatives they have elected seem to have no respect themselves?

The partisan behaviour of Speaker Baleka Mbete – who early on lost control (along with her dignity) – also needs censure. She is not the right person for that job.

Let’s all grow up and shut down the circus.

I