MPLs from the EFF and the DA walked out of the Free State Legislature during the debate on the State of the Province Address today. The DA’s Roy Jankielsohn says they had to walk out because staying would meant that Speaker Mamiki Qabathe will continue to abuse her power as speaker. Cathy Dlodlo reports right after the DA the EFF members walked out after they did not want to adhere to a ruling made by Qabathe.
DA MPL Roy Jankielsohn said his allocated 15 minutes for the debate was cut short, because he mentioned Free State Premier Ace Magashule said in the State of the province address that he will deal with corrupt municipal officials, but that it is contrary to the ANC cadre deployment policy of which the speaker herself is an example. Jankielsohn was then cut short and when MPL David van Vuuren object, Qabathe said she is going to refer the issue to the rules and order committee of the legislature. Jankielsohn said this committee have not been sitting for months. EFF MPLs were also told to leave the House after MPL Mandisa Makesini refused to withdrew a word when she raised a point of order in Xhosa. – Cathy Dlodlo
