Vella Nyoni
LIMPOPO – PARLIAMENT’S new mission statement states that it aims to provide a service to the people of South Africa by providing the following: a vibrant people’s assembly that intervenes and transforms society and a and a healthy relationship that promotes efficient co-operative governance between the spheres of government.
With the battling, disruptions and banter that has been going on in recent months, the question is, has parliament lived up to its mission statement?
CV asked Polokwane residents what they thought about recent incidents in parliament.
Paul Tolo said he was embarrassed by what was happening in parliament these days.
“These people are adults, but some of them act like children. When it comes to Julius Malema, I feel like he’s right most of the time because whatever the president does is usually swept under the rug. He does not answer to what he does, however, they should concentrate more on solving the issues at hand instead of always fighting,” said Tolo.
Nthabiseng Mashamaite said she also felt bad about what was going on in parliament.
“This is not right, I think Malema and the EFF are attention seekers. That is why they always cause trouble. I don’t understand this man and what he does,”said Mashamaite.
Ronald Malatjie said South Africans had a big problem on their hands.
“They have a problem in parliament; it’s a total banana republic. Everyone is playing. They have no respect anymore and no dignity at all. They don’t even discuss important issues. I wish a flood could come while they are convening and sweep everyone away so that we can have a new parliament,” said Malatjie jokingly.
Sammy Mabetlela said he did not think government was doing enough to keep order in parliament.
“There are rules there, but it seems as if no one is following them. I mean how hard can it be to keep people in order, these are educated individuals, but they act like they have no education. People push their own agendas and the needs of the public are ignored,” said Mabetlela.
Thomas Legodi says he felt bad about the situation in parliament.
“This is not good, it makes me feel embarrassed as a South African. I think there are too many parties here, maybe if we reduce the number, order will be restored. Until then, conflict will always be there,” said Legodi.
Joe Mamantsibi said: “they forget what parliament is there for, they push their own personal issues to the forefront. I am not interested in parliament because of this, they must resolve whatever issues they have and concentrate on building a better South Africa for all of us”.
