No Freedom of Expression in KZN Parliament

30 May 2007

The IFP has been dismayed by the glaring lack of respect for freedom of expression in the KwaZulu Natal Provincial Parliament under the leadership of the incumbent Speaker, Willies Mchunu MPP.

"The provincial Parliament claims to respect freedom of expression, but in practice it does so only when it suits the Speaker," said Acting Leader of the Official Opposition Blessed Gwala MPP.

Gwala referred to two incidents during Wednesday's parliamentary sitting when the Speaker commented, at length, on the IFP's media statement and, later, ordered three IFP Councillors out of the House.

"The IFP feels that the Speaker went way out of line when he commented on the party's political statement for the media where the Acting Leader of the Official Opposition pointed out the Premier's absence on the opening day of Taking Parliament to the People in Msinga on Monday," said Gwala.

The IFP insists it never questioned the Premier's grounds for absence. "We merely made a political statement to which, as parlamentarians and members of a political party, we are entitled," said Gwala.

The IFP also objects to the Speaker's ruling to order three IFP Councillors out of the House for allegedly disturbing the parliamentary proceedings.

"The objective grounds for their dismissal from the premises were not objectively established and the IFP may request an investigation into the incident," said Gwala.

The IFP has long perceived and criticised the Speaker's conduct as blatantly biased in favour of the ruling party. "We all know that the Speaker would never comment on an ANC media statement or order ANC Councillors out of the House no matter how unruly," said Gwala.

Contact: Blessed Gwala, 078 690 5777