Madam Deputy Speaker, the DA calls on the ANC Chief Whip, the hon Mbulelo Goniwe to immediately come clean about allegations that he used his position of authority to improperly proposition a female parliamentary employee. This allegation is only the latest in a number of scandals to afflict the hon Goniwe, who also recently attempted to use parliamentary privilege to avoid paying maintenance for his children. In light of these scandals, the hon Goniwe needs to make an unambiguous personal and political commitment to gender equality in order to prove that his party's commitment to this cause is not just hollow rhetoric. The battle for the rights of women in South Africa to be treated with respect and as equal citizens has been long and difficult and in many respects it has still not been won. Therefore, it is completely unacceptable for any South African, more particularly one who holds a position of high authority, to act in a manner that undermines this right.
The hon Goniwe needs to act decisively before any more damage is done to either the reputation of the institution he represents or the cause of gender equality. [Applause.]
Deputy Speaker, on a point of order: Recently it was ruled in this House in relation to remarks made by, I think, Mr Gaum, in relation to the hon Coetzee, that we should not reflect on the integrity of members of this House, other than by way of a substantive motion. It seems to me very much as if what has been said here, does exactly that. We request your ruling.
Madam Deputy Speaker ...
I think ... I thought I was the Deputy Speaker.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I said Madam Deputy Speaker.
I thought there was only one Deputy Speaker and until such time that she says could somebody please help me answer the question, she will be the only Deputy Speaker.
May I speak, Madam Deputy Speaker? There is so much noise in the House so I can't actually hear what you're saying.
No, there is no noise in the House.
I beg to differ, Madam Deputy Speaker.
Mr Ellis, there is a point of order that has been addressed to me. I think I am able to deal with that matter. Until such time that I ask any member of the House to please help me exercise my duties, you are not recognised. Please sit down.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I rise on a point of order to say that I disagree with what the hon Nel is saying. That is perfectly within my rights.
Let me deal with the point of order, Mr Ellis. You may bring any other matters that you want. For now there is a point of order that was raised. It takes precedence. I think we should all be aware of that, especially those of us who are long serving members of the House. Mr Nel, the point that you raised reflecting on the integrity of an hon member, is a valid point. All of us have to be protected by the Chair. I allowed the statement to go on so as to find out whether indeed it is attacking the integrity of the hon member. I think it is. It is reflecting on speculations, on things that people have read in the newspapers and I think it is unfortunate for us to base anything, especially in this House, on things that have not been proven anywhere else. On that basis, I think, the Deputy Chief Whip does have a point. That statement won't be allowed.
Madam Deputy Speaker, on a point of order: I think that we would urge you to make sure that you study the entire Hansard first of all, before you make such a ruling. There have been many opportunities and many occasions in this House when we have reflected on such matters, which have not been ruled on in such a way.
Were you allowed to reflect on members' integrity?
I would certainly say so, Madam Deputy Speaker, and I would urge you to consider Hansard before you make your final ruling.
I base this ruling on what should happen and what should happen is that no one has to reflect on the integrity of an hon member. And if that was allowed in the past, it was wrong. Let me study the Hansard and come back to you. Are you satisfied? More than satisfied? Thank you.