Order! Just before we start our debate, I would like to make a ruling on a matter that I did promise I would look at. Hon members, I would like to make a ruling on a point of order raised by hon Watson against a statement alleged to have been made by hon Ntwanambi during our plenary on Thursday, 29 October 2009.
The hon member raised a point of order as to whether it was parliamentary for a member to stand at the podium and accuse "the Premier of our province", meaning the Premier of the Western Cape, who is an hon member, of being a racist.
I indicated that I would study the Hansard records and make a ruling. In perusing the Hansard records, I did not come across a statement where reference was made to the effect that the hon Premier was a racist. However, I came across the following statement - this is what Ms Ntwanambi said: She has really planted racism in our country.
Even though robust debates are encouraged in the House, however, in keeping with the decorum of the House, which requires us to conduct ourselves in a manner befitting of the hon office we hold as members of Parliament, I would like to make a ruling that the said statement should not be encouraged. Therefore, I rule that the hon member withdraw the statement. Hon Ntwanambi?
Thank you, Chair. I withdraw it.
Thank you very much. [Applause.]
Hon members, we should start with the debate on the next Order. The Minister has not arrived yet. I shall ask the direction of the House. I think we could continue with the second speaker, that is, the chair of the committee, if you agree. Are we agreed? Then the Minister can, when he comes, take the platform. That is merely to save time. I don't know how long it will take the Minister to come to the House. Hon Bloem?
I don't have a problem, Chairperson, but is it not proper for the Minister to introduce the said debate, and then the members follow on after that? I am not against the ruling, but I am asking whether it is not proper procedure for that to happen?
It is proper. That is why I am asking the House to give me permission as the Chair. If you say don't do it, let's stop and break for five minutes, I will do it.
Hon Chair ...
By the way, the Minister is in the NA, dealing with another matter. That is why I am asking for this permission.
Hon Chair, I would like us to break for five minutes and wait for the Minister, then we can continue. Thank you.
Are we agreed? If you are not agreeing, I am going to make a ruling. But I wanted to give you a chance.
Chairperson, no, let's proceed with the debate, seeing that the Minister is busy in the other House. Let us proceed with debate.
OK, let's break for five minutes and come back.
Business suspended at 16:12 and resumed at 16:18.