Government encourages the exercise of orderly democracy

22 August 2014

Government has noted with grave concern the disruptions which have unfolded in Parliament yesterday and which tantamount   to bring the high institution into disrepute.  Whilst government encourages a continuous healthy and robust democracy, which includes questioning the executives of the country, it must be exercised in a dignified manner.

South Africa is recognised as a country that has made great strides since the advent of democracy and is known for engaging in meaningful and constructive dialogue to resolve any issue irrespective of who is in involved.  Acting GCIS CEO, Phumla Williams, said “Yesterday’s militant confrontation and attitude between MPS and supporters of political parties were not in the best interest of the country and were futile. It was a display of anarchy and was not democratic; this is not a culture that we want to portray in Parliament or in any other institution or platform.”

The onus is on each South African to protect the integrity of our hard earned democracy. The country gained nothing from yesterday’s action.  “The Parliamentary platform, which is made up of proportional representation through the polls, is for the use of all political representatives and yesterday’s offence actually deprived South Africans from interacting with the President Jacob Zuma through their elected representative,” said Williams.

Government reminds all citizens that they have recently elected and appointed the public’s preferred candidate.  South Africans enjoy their constitutional right to go to the polls every five years to make their mark and to determine how political parties have put across public issues.
“Parliament is one of many platforms that can be utilised to address or raise any concerns. However; we are all reminded that every institution has rules and protocols that need to be adhered to. In an orderly democracy it is expected that people will within reasonable means and within the bounds of decency exhaust their options on a platform before moving onto the next,” said Williams.

Enquiries:
Phumla Williams
083 501 0139

Issued by Government Communication and Information System