SA Parliament rogues’ gallery – the multiple MPs with a chequered past in the House of Dishonourable

[Johnatan56]

SA Parliament rogues’ gallery – the multiple MPs with a chequered past in the House of Dishonourable

Top row from left: Bonginkosi Madikizela, Zizi Kodwa, Renaldo Gouws, Busisiwe Mkhwebane and Malusi Gigaba. Bottom row from left: Faith Muthambi, Gayton McKenzie, Des van Rooyen, John Hlophe and Floyd Shivambu. (Illustration: Bogosi Monnakgotla)

With the composition of the National Assembly complete after the MK party’s members were sworn in, we ask: Has there ever been a democratic SA Parliament more stuffed with compromised government officials?

It is not permissible for an individual to become a member of the National Assembly if they have previously been convicted of a criminal offence and sentenced to more than 12 months’ imprisonment without the option of a fine. This is in terms of Section 47 of the Constitution, but the prohibition falls away if more than five years have elapsed since the sentence was completed.

It was this Constitutional clause that prevented Zuma from leading his new party in Parliament. The time prescription element, however, is what permits Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie to take up a seat in the National Assembly despite having been sentenced to about 15 years in jail for armed robbery in 1996.

The past stays in the past​

Parliament has its own code of conduct with which MPs are expected to comply after taking their oath of office – but this only applies after they have been sworn in.

It was for this reason that Parliament could not take any action against newly sworn-in DA MP Renaldo Gouws in the wake of racist videos he made some years ago resurfacing – because the videos were posted prior to his becoming a member of the House.

Particular concerns have been raised about the late swearing-in of former sports, arts and culture minister Zizi Kodwa as an ANC MP, less than a month after he was arrested and appeared in court on charges of having unlawfully received benefits amounting to more than R1.6-million from businessman Jehan Mackay. Kodwa told journalists at Parliament on Tuesday that the reason he was not sworn in with other MPs on 14 June was simply that he had family matters to deal with.

Complicating the matter, however, is the ANC’s step-aside rule – which resulted in Kodwa resigning as sports minister after his arrest. At the time, ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri told City Press: “It is in line with the step-aside rule, which makes it clear that, when criminally charged, a member must step aside.”


Kodwa’s subsequent swearing-in as an MP has caused a mini firestorm for the ANC and its internal factions, with some saying it is evidence of the party’s inconsistent application of the step-aside rule.

Parliament rogues’ gallery - the multiple MPs with a chequered past in SA’s House of Dishonourable

With the composition of the National Assembly complete after the MK party’s members were sworn in, we ask: Has there ever been a democratic SA Parliament more stuffed with compromised government officials?

www.dailymaverick.co.za

 

[Johnatan56]

Marshall Dlamini has been given an 18-month suspended sentence after hitting a constable in the face and breaking his glasses following the 2019 Sona event in parliament. He remains an MP, as his sentence was suspended. The EFF has stuck by its SG, saying he had rightfully perceived a threat for the safety of EFF members.

Marshall Dlamini sentenced for assault in Parliament

Marshall Dlamini has been given an 18-month suspended sentence after hitting a constable in the face and breaking his glasses following the 2019 Sona event in parliament. He remains an MP, as his sentence was suspended. The EFF has stuck by its SG, saying he had rightfully perceived a threat...

www.dailymaverick.co.za

Parliament is quite interesting to say the least, went from everything being swept under the rug to outright ignoring/bending rules to get around the rules.