Johannesburg - ANC Chief Whip Stone Sizani has condemned remarks made by two MPs to Agriculture Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson.
“We have learned that during the heated debate in the committee yesterday (Wednesday), ANC MP Salam Abram called the minister a liar, (and) conducted himself rowdily and disruptively before storming out of the meeting in anger,” Sizani said in a statement on Thursday.
“It is also reported that, as the meeting adjourned, DA MP Pieter van Dalen referred to the minister as 'teef' (Afrikaans for b***h).”
The remarks were made during Joemat-Pettersson's appearance before the agriculture, fisheries, and forestry portfolio committee.
On Thursday, Van Dalen denied the claim.
“The ANC is trying to deflect attention away from a minister who has performed poorly,” he said.
“Tina Joemat-Pettersson has made too many irresponsible decisions that have lurched South Africa’s agricultural sector from crisis to crisis.”
He said he would not be intimidated from keeping Joemat-Pettersson accountable.
“I maintain she must go.”
Business Day reported that Van Dalen claimed to have said “dief” (Afrikaans for thief).
Sizani described the MPs' conduct as appalling and disrespectful and said action was needed.
The African National Congress would ensure that a caucus disciplinary process be immediately instituted against Abram.
Sizani called on the Democratic Alliance act against Van Dalen.
“It is about time that the DA stopped defending its MPs' racist and sexist conduct and took action to prove its commitment to non-racialism and non-sexism.
“We will ensure that Parliament investigates Van Dalen's remark and takes appropriate action,” he said.
Sapa