Shouting, threats in Cape legislature

Cape Town-150521-Provincial Parliamen sitting today. The DA and ANC heckelled and blame the other side for the racisism and other problems in the province. Helen Zille did not say much but was accused of rasisism by Marius Fransman (in pic)-Reporter-Warda Meyer-Photographer-Tracey Adams

Cape Town-150521-Provincial Parliamen sitting today. The DA and ANC heckelled and blame the other side for the racisism and other problems in the province. Helen Zille did not say much but was accused of rasisism by Marius Fransman (in pic)-Reporter-Warda Meyer-Photographer-Tracey Adams

Published May 22, 2015

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Cape Town - A debate on transformation in the Western Cape legislature descended into an across-the-floor shouting match as the ANC ripped into the DA over apartheid spatial planning, lack of integrated human settlements and employment equity.

Leader of the opposition in the House, Marius Fransman, suffered the wrath of Speaker Sharna Fernandez after he mocked DA chief whip Mark Wiley, who complained about running commentary and interruptions.

Fransman asked Wiley what he was going to do about it, asking him if he was “going to shoot him”.

Fransman’s remark came at the height of Human Settlement’s MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela’s attempts to dispel the ANC’s claims about the DA’s poor transformation record.

Amid the rowdy debate, Wiley interjected, saying their side of the house had been tolerant despite all the interruptions from the oppositions back benches, requesting that the Speaker proceed with the programme.

An angry Fernandez reacted quickly, saying the comment was inappropriate and laid down the law. “You cannot ask a member if he will shoot you across the floor… what if he were to respond? Honourable Fransman you cannot make a statement like that… people, we are not here to judge members’ backgrounds. We are here to deliver a service to the members of this province.”

Snapping at the opposition leader, Fernandez said: “I’m sorry, I will not tolerate this. Honourable Fransman I am calling you on a point of order to manage yourself or I am going to ask you to withdraw from the chamber.”

Wiley insisted that Fransman withdraw his remarks, as it infringed on his character and inferred that he’s a murderer.

Prompted by the Speaker to withdraw and apologise, Fransman said: “Honourable Speaker, I definitely did not say he is a murderer, if he thinks he’s a murderer then we can discuss that.”

But Fernandez was not playing around as she pressed him to withdraw.

Instead Fransman said: “I withdraw that he has not today shot anyone.” Fernandez said: “No, Fransman. I asked you to withdraw and apologise unreservedly please.”

Again Fransman responded: “I withdraw and apologise that he did not shoot anyone today.”

Urging members to play by the rules, Fernandez stopped short of losing control.

The level of childishness in this House talks to the (lack of) maturity, talks to the self respect and how must we appreciate not only other members but members in the public gallery and members of this province… This is ridiculous and we want to talk about fit for purpose and upping the level of our game when we cannot simply follow the rules of the House,” she said.

Fransman attempted to interrupt, but the Speaker was not playing around, scolding him like a child.

“I am busy speaking Honourable Fransman – now you take your seat, I’m speaking, please take your seat, you will not interrupt me, I am busy… please take your seat. You will address me when I’m done. Take your seat. There is no way you can reduce this Parliament to a play-yard every week, week after week,” Fernandez said.

And she reminded Fransman that he was a public representative, paid with the taxes of the people.

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