Order! Order! Yesterday, the Minister of Correctional Services rose on a point of order and contended that the hon member Ms Dianne Kohler- Barnard had used a certain expletive, to say the least. This is unparliamentary, unbecoming and offensive in the extreme. Since the DA had left the Chamber at that stage, there was no opportunity for the Chair to express herself on the matter.
The hon member Ms Kohler-Barnard, has since admitted to the media and to her party that she did indeed use the distasteful phrase. I've also received a letter from the Chief Whip of the Opposition, the hon Mr Ian Davidson, indicating that Ms Kohler-Barnard had owned up to her transgression and he informs me in the letter that the DA has taken punitive action against her.
For a while now, the standard of language in debates in the House has been steadily deteriorating to slightly less than what one would desire and regard as proper and appropriate for the highest debating forum in the country. But even so, as Speaker, I have to say that I find it utterly reprehensible that a Member of Parliament would use the phrase which hon Kohler-Barnard has admitted to.
Given the seriousness of this matter, I have decided to invoke the provisions of Rule 52 of the Rules of the National Assembly and suspend Ms Kohler-Barnard for the maximum number of days allowed in terms of the Rules namely, five parliamentary working days. The suspension takes effect immediately. Thank you.
Speaker, thank you for acknowledging my letter to you.
I wish to inform the House that we had, prior to your decision, suspended Ms Kohler-Barnard for five days because we believe that she impugned the dignity of the House. We do hope that we have set a new standard in that and all members of the House will, in fact, comply with the high standard we believe ought to be applied in this House. She has expressed her contriteness and she will apologise to the House when she comes back. [Applause.]
As the ANC, we want to congratulate you for taking the initiative and setting a good example.