Opposition parties rally around Madam Speaker

POLOKWANE – DA Limpopo leader, Jacques Smalle, has said the suspension of the Limpopo Legislature speaker, Merriam Ramadwa by the ANC was unconstitutional and went against the rules of the legislature.

“The DA has learnt with grave concern of the forced resignation of the current speaker of the legislature by the ANC, ostensibly because she refuses to voluntarily tender her resignation to make way for Polly Boshielo. The ANC is a party that is represented in the legislature and not the legislature itself,” Smalle said.

ANC provincial secretary, Nocks Seabi, confirmed that Ramadwa was served with a notice of suspension on Saturday.

He said while Ramadwa was on suspension, she could not act as an ANC member, including at a branch and she could represent the ANC in any capacity, including as a public representative.

According to Smalle, the rules of the legislature clearly stipulated that the speaker could only be removed from office by the majority of members, who must present.

“This means that a sitting must be convened to effect the removal of the speaker and that the decision cannot be taken at the ANC’s Frans Mohlala House. The fact that the ANC even attempt to remove the speaker in such a manner shows that they have scant regard for the constitutional arms of government,” Smalle said.

“The DA will, at the next sitting, push for a secret ballot on this matter, as is prescribed by the legislature rules and the constitution.”

EFF provincial leader, Mike Mathebe, said they are disappointed with the ANC’s decision and supported the DA’s call for a secret ballot.

“We agree that Ramadwa is the best candidate for speaker as she complies with all requirements needed to be an independent speaker of the house,” Mathebe said.

No comment had been received from Ramadwa’s office or from Boshielo.

However, a source close to the Boshielo camp confirmed on Wednesday that she would indeed be the next speaker of the Limpopo Legislature.