African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) MP Rhoda Southgate caused a storm in the National Assembly on Thursday when she gagged herself in protest against the minute allocated to her party for a debate in the chamber.
The assembly erupted into screams of laughter, angry remarks and confusion as Southgate stepped onto the podium after being called to speak, announced her protest, and placed a strip of red tape over her mouth.
"The ACDP does not support this bill. Parliament has systematically silenced the ACDP by giving us one minute to articulate legislation and I want to say it's impossible," Southgate said before gagging herself.
MPs broke into cheers and jeers as Southgate stood on the podium in silence.
"No votes, no minutes!" shouted one backbencher.
"Order honourable members, please allow the member to address the house," said Deputy Speaker Baleka Mbete, chairing the debate on the Municipal Structures Second Amendment Bill, prompting more laughter.
"She can't, she's gagged herself!" shouted another backbencher.
African National Congress ANC deputy chief whip Andries Nel questioned whether it was parliamentary for Southgate to accuse parliament of silencing her when political parties had agreed that they would be allocated debating time according to their "electoral support".
Mbete said it was "not correct" for Southgate to accuse parliament of silencing her.
"It is the electorate that determines the amount of support that each party has and the time is distributed accordingly."
Southgate insisted that it was parliament's fault because the ACDP's attempts to resolve the issue with other parties and the Speaker, Frene Ginwala, had failed.
"If you have nothing to say will you please take your seat," said Mbete.
"I still have seven seconds left," retorted Southgate.
Southgate's colleague in the ACDP Cheryllyn Dudley said: "The member has a constitutional right to silence," evoking more mirth.