Whatever our differences are, we must keep the interest of our country above everything we do, says Gwede Mantashe.
Johannesburg - The events that took place during the State of Nation Address last week calls on all of us to step back and reflect, and ask a question, what needs to be done?
We witnessed our people's parliament once again, degenerating into chaos.
It is the same parliament and podium, President Mandela delivered his first State of the Nation Address 20 years ago and gave hope to millions of South Africans of a better life and a new nation.
Parliament represents the hopes and aspirations of our people, who vote their political party of choice to represent them. Members of parliament irrespective of party affiliation have a responsibility to uphold the highest values of our constitution, as the institution mirrors maturing democracy, tolerance and nation building.
ANC once again condemns the jamming of signal during SONA as this violated the constitution, equally, we condemn deliberate effort to disrupt the State of the Nation Address by some members of parliament, as this was meant to deny our people of their right to receive full account of government plans and commitments as presented by the president.
These actions have undermined our democracy and the constitution, as well as authority of parliament.
We make a special plea to all members of parliament across political divide, to focus on the real issues raised in the State of the Nation Address.
Parliament is a platform to which we, as different political parties can change the lives of our people through legislation and to ensure accountability.
Whatever our differences are, we must keep the interest of our country above everything we do.
* Gwede Mantashe is Secretary General of the ANC.
** The views expressed here are not necessarily those of Independent Media.