3 June 2009

The IFP has called on the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature's Speaker Peggy Nkonyeni, who is currently on trial for corruption, to step aside, citing the Parliament's own rules. 

"Apart from the obvious ethical implications of the Speaker's trial for the Legislature, we believe her continued tenure is in contravention of the parliamentary rules," said Leader of the Official Opposition in KwaZulu-Natal Dr Bonginkosi Buthelezi. 

The IFP has invoked the Legislature's Standing Rule 13.1(f) which defines the role of the Speaker as the institution's "treasurer (who is) accountable to the Legislature for the management and performance of the Legislature". 

"It is common institutional practice for accounting officers to be suspended from their duties if they find themsdelves on trial on money-related matters. Speaker Nkonyeni who is being tried for corruption is therefore unfit to oversee the Legislature's finances," said Dr Buthelezi.
 

Contact:
Dr Bonginkosi Buthelezi
082 516 0156