Chairperson, I hereby move without notice on behalf of the DA:
That the Council -
1) notes with grave concern the struggle of the people of Swaziland for democracy and freedom from the tyrannical rule of the last absolute monarch in the world;
2) also notes the arrest and imprisonment of Swazi citizens apparently because of their involvement in the movement for democracy in Swaziland; and
3) calls upon the King of Swaziland to immediately step down as the executive head of Swaziland and to hand over to an interim multiparty government in order to allow the people of Swaziland the opportunity to work out a democratic constitution for that country.
Is there any objection? Hon member, do you have an objection?
No, Chair. I was just saying that they couldn't object.
Can you come to order? I asked for an objection and no one raised his or her hand. The member was making a noise, as if he was not happy about something. I just wanted to ascertain from him if he had an objection. He has satisfied me that it was not an objection. Therefore, there is none. [Interjections.] Hon Gamede, do you have something to say? [Interjections.]
Chair, I have something to say. Excuse me please, on a point of order: Chair, I was ... [Interjections.]
Are you calling me to order?
Yes, Chair, I was supporting that motion. You need to listen. Thank you.
HON MEMBERS: Hayibo! [[Gosh!]
Hon member, can you retract the words you used earlier, when you said you were calling me to order, when in actual fact I had made a ruling on the matter? Can you withdraw what you said?
Chair, I said I was supporting the motion. I was not ... [Interjections.]
No, can you withdraw your words, when you said you were calling me to order, on a matter that I had already made a ruling on? [Interjections.]
Chair, I was not making a noise. That is what I was saying. I was not making a noise.
Hon member, can you sit down? I am asking you to withdraw the earlier statement you made to the effect that I was out of order after I had made a ruling. Can you withdraw that statement?
Chair, I withdraw.
Thank you very much.
Motion agreed to in accordance with section 65 of the Constitution.