The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has taken note that following a meeting of Parliament’s Programming Committee, Parliament will convene a physical sitting on Tuesday, 13 December 2022. The purpose will be to debate a special item – the Section 89 Report before the House.
The IFP has maintained that it will support the findings of the Report, and IFP MPs will therefore be in attendance next week to participate in the debate, as well as to cast their votes.
The debate will proceed following the advice of Parliament’s legal advisors that the sub judice rule does not apply, as there is currently no matter before the Court.
As the IFP, we believe that President Ramaphosa jumped the gun by filing an application with the Court, as he would still have had an opportunity to challenge the findings of the Section 89 Report as part of the parliamentary process. We further do not agree with the approach taken by his legal team, in challenging individual panellists, as the Report is the product of a parliamentary process. We therefore expect the Speaker to file an opposing affidavit.
We trust that ANC MPs will use their discretion as Members of Parliament next week and vote in support of the Report – not against it as media reports indicate the ANC NEC has instructed.
The IFP will continue to support any measures that foster accountability and hold the Executive to account – without fear or favour.
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Contact
Hon. Inkosi Em Buthelezi MP
IFP Deputy President
072 390 6112
