This is also for you, hon Mr Davidson. Yesterday the hon Davidson raised a point of order during the debate, objecting to remarks made by the hon Minister of International Relations and Co-operation in relation to hon Mnqasela. I undertook at the time to consult Hansard and return to the House with a ruling, which I do so now.
Having had the opportunity to study the unrevised Hansard, I wish to rule as follows. After studying the Minister 's remarks, I can confirm that aspersions were cast on the character of a member of this House.
It has been ruled often enough in this House, including on 17 November 2010, that members may not make unsubstantiated allegations against or cast reflections on other members. Members have a duty not to make insinuations or accusations of improper conduct on the part of their fellow members without the matter complained of being clearly stated or properly substantiated through a substantive motion.
I again call on all hon members not to allege improper actions by other members, unless they seriously wish to have such actions investigated by a committee of the House. In view of this, I rule that the Minister's remarks were out of order, and I ask her to withdraw them.
Hon Minister, please withdraw.
TONA YA DIKAMANO T?A BODIT?HABAT?HABA LE TIRI?ANO: Seboledi sa Ntlo se se hlomphegago, ke kgopela go t?ea sebaka se go laet?a gore ngwana' pho?a dira ga a bolawe. Fela ke kgopela go tii?et?a gore le nna ke t?wa go kgonthi?i?a gore leloko le le hlomphegago le peiling ka molato wa go swana le wona wo ke o swant?hit?ego. (Translation of Sepedi paragraph follows.)
[The MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND CO-OPERATION: Hon Speaker of the House, I would like to take this opportunity to indicate that to err is human. However, I would like to confirm that I found that the member in question is on bail due to allegations of the case I have mentioned.]
Order! Hon member, I have made a ruling. I request you to withdraw.
TONA YA DIKAMANO T?A BODIT?HABAT?HABA LE TIRI?ANO: Seboledi se se hlomphegago, ke leka go bu?elet?a gore ngwana' pho?a dira ga a bolawe. Ke a leboga. [Legoswi.] (Translation of Sepedi paragraph follows.)
[The MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND CO-OPERATION: Hon Speaker, let me reiterate by saying that to err is human. I thank you. [Applause.]
Hon member, I have made a ruling. I request you to withdraw!
TONA YA DIKAMANO T?A BODIT?HABAT?HABA LE TIRI?ANO: Sepikara se se hlomphegago, ke kgopet?e go bu?elet?a mant?u a ka morago ka Sepedi. Ke re ngwana' pho?a dira ga a bolawe. [Tsenoganong.] (Translation of Sepedi paragraph follows.)
[The MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND CO-OPERATION: Hon Speaker, I would like to reiterate my words in Sepedi: To err is human. [Interjections.]
Order! Okay, thank you very much, hon member. [Applause.]
Debate concluded.