Hon members, before we proceed to the Seventh Order, which will be read by the Secretary, and before the Table changes and there is a different presiding officer, I just need to give a ruling.
Hon members ... [Interjections.] No, I will be very nice today, provided you are nice! [Laughter.]
During the debate on the Subject for Discussion in the name of hon Koornhof on 8 November 2012, hon Oriani-Ambrosini rose on a point of order about a remark made by hon Mokoena during the debate. He contended that the reference to him by hon Mokoena as a "spoilt brat" did not only demean the intelligence of the speaker, but also the recipient of such an insult. Hon Ambrosini asked me to rule on the remark. I undertook to study the Hansard and come back to the House with a ruling. Having now had an opportunity to study the unrevised Hansard, I wish to rule as follows.
According to the unrevised Hansard, hon Mokoena said, and I quote:
Dr Ambrosini, we miss you in the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises. I respect you as a lawyer; you have a good legal brain, but you surprised me when you acted like a spoilt brat when you clashed with the previous chairperson of the portfolio committee, hon Vytjie Mentor.
The objection to the remark is based on Rule 63, which states that: "No member shall use offensive or unbecoming language." Offensive or unbecoming language includes the making of personal attacks on members, and the use of insults and obscene language.
The expression, "spoilt brat", refers to a child - not an adult - who is ill-mannered or unruly, and therefore it is derogatory. It is most inappropriate when used against an hon Member of Parliament. I must, therefore, ask the hon Mokoena to withdraw the remark.
Madam Deputy Speaker, the hon member is definitely anything but a "spoilt brat". [Interjections.] [Laughter.]
Just withdraw the remark, hon member. [Laughter.]
Yes, I say he is anything but a "spoilt brat". [Interjections.] I am not responsible for your large ignorance of English. [Interjections.]
Madam Deputy Speaker, I am satisfied.
Oh! Thank you very much, hon Oriani-Ambrosini, for understanding. [Interjections.]
He understands English.
Madam Deputy Speaker, just a small point of clarification: One completely respects your ruling, but is there no distinction between saying that a member "behaves like a spoilt brat" and calling a member "a spoilt brat". Is there no significant difference between the two? Thank you.
I am sure you are not expecting me to answer you now. We can have coffee and I will explain the difference. [Applause.] It is the last day for all of us today, so we must be very nice to each other! That is why I am so nice today.
There is something I failed to do earlier. I would like to welcome hon Botha amongst us. We missed you very much, hon Botha, for a very long time. [Applause.] I in particular missed you so much, because you have some effect on your neighbour when you are here! [Laughter.]
Madam Deputy Speaker, on a point of order: We are very grateful for your kind words to our colleague, who will now make sure that he is here every day! Thank you.