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23 October 2007

The ANC and KwaZulu-Natal Legislature Chief Whip, Hon. Cyril Xaba says, the remarks attributed to the MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, MEC Bheki Cele during the fracas that ensued on the opening day, 22 October, of the Taking the Legislature to the People currently underway in Vryheid were "not offensive and unparliamentary".

The fracas ensued during the public interactive session of the Legislature that allows ordinary members of the public to air their service delivery issues before the Members of the Legislature and the Executive.

Xaba said: "The ANC is of the view that Cele's remarks were part of a normal politicking process in a free and democratic dispensation. We therefore do not support the IFP's demand for the MEC Cele to apologise."

The IFP has conditioned its participation in the current Taking Legislature to the People (four-day sitting) currently underway in Vryheid (Cecil Emmet Hall) on Cele's public apology.

Xaba further said: "Cele's remarks are found by the ANC caucus to be within the realm of political debate and any attempt to suppress dissenting views will not be tolerated."

He said the ANC refuses to submit itself to "the IFP's politics of brinkmanship". He also assured the people of KwaZulu-Natal that the sitting will proceed with or without the IFP's participation as it is their democratic right to boycott the sessions of the Legislature.

For enquiries contact:
Hon. Cyril Xaba
Cell: 083 301 1845

Issued by: KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
23 October 2007