In marking the International Day of Parliamentarism, Build One South Africa (Bosa) leader Mmusi Maimane has served parliament speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula with a cease-and-desist letter.
Maimane said the letter is entreating parliament to stop its unbecoming behaviour in this regard.
In a statement on Friday, Bosa said it is a time to pause and review the progress that parliaments all over the world have made in achieving key goals to be more representative and “move with the times”.
“It is fitting to consider this day in light of the most recent and unfortunate behaviour by parliament in response to the chairperson of the State Capture Commission, Chief Justice Zondo’s public statements,” said Bosa spokesperson Sbu Zondi.
The chief justice stated that “should state capture occur again, parliament would never be able to prevent it, as nothing has fundamentally changed in the operations or rules of parliament”.
Bosa also noted that it stands with the Zondo.
“It is no secret that this sixth parliament is the most docile, executive-minded and deferent we have witnessed since the dawn of democracy.
“Through the Phala Phala and state capture sagas, and other dubious acts, parliament has operated as a protection racket for the executive arm of government and the governing party,” added Zondi.
Bosa further noted that it is unfortunate, however, that parliament’s political leadership, led by Mapisa-Nqakula, reacted in a hostile manner to the chief justice’s statements and acted ultra vires by summoning him to a meeting to “iron the matter out”.
According to Zondi, Bosa’s view is that this action is an attempt to silence the chief justice and to place a lid on the matters he raised, which are germane to our very democracy. The speaker is doing the ANC’s dirty work by trying to muffle justified criticism, he said.
“It is our duty to ensure that this is the last parliament that condones and covers up corruption perpetrated by politicians.
“There are almost 100 ANC members mentioned in the State Capture Report, and yet not one has been dealt with and held accountable. Parliament’s failure to act makes it complicit in allowing wrongdoers to walk free.”
Bosa added that it can no longer tolerate wasting taxpayers’ money on the salaries of corrupt politicians and civil servants, and then on extra-judicial investigative jamborees that absorb billions of rands that could be better spent on service delivery.
“Our current parliamentarians hardly represent the best of South Africa – skills, values or the people’s interests. Instead, they dance to the tune of their political parties.”
The party said the solution is to change the rules of the game by directly electing public representatives. This ensures accountability is strengthened, and power is removed from the hands of few and into the hands of the people.
“It’s time to unlock parliament, gather talent, and provide a pathway into government for South African excellence.
“A new electoral system that improves accountability, attracts expertise and talent, and improves governance is urgently required if South Africa is to thrive and prosper.”
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