Parliament has cancelled accommodation and flight arrangements for 58 uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party members who were expected to occupy seats in the National Assembly.
This comes as the MK Party urged Chief Justice Raymond Zondo and Secretary to Parliament Xolile George to postpone the first sitting of the National Assembly, claiming it would not be constitutional. The party raised its concerns about the discrepancies in the 29 May polls.
PARLIAMENT CANCELS ARRANGMENTS FOR MK PARTY MEMBERS
Parliament spokesperson Moloto Mothapo said the Parliament disagrees with the MK Party’s interpretation of Section 46 of the Constitution.
Mothapo said Parliament is legally bound to facilitate the first sitting of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces at a date and time determined by the Chief Justice, and no legal impediments are preventing this process.
“According to section 49(3) of the Constitution, until a court sets aside the election results, Parliament must ensure that the sittings proceed as directed.
“Because the first sittings of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces will take place physically, the Parliamentary Administration is in the process of making arrangements to provide travel and accommodation for all members listed by the IEC, as handed over by the Chief Justice, to attend these sittings and the associated onboarding activities scheduled in Cape Town. In light of the MK Party’s expressed decision, through their legal representatives, not to attend the first sitting, Parliament has cancelled all arrangements for accommodation and flights for the party’s elected members,” he said.
Mothapo said this measure is to avoid fruitless and wasteful expenditure, in compliance with the Financial Management of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act, 2009.
He added that Parliament reaffirms its commitment to carrying out its responsibilities under the Constitution in scheduling the first sittings of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces.
“We remain dedicated to ensuring that the laws and Constitution of our country uphold the established democratic processes and procedures.”
