Speaker, I think now that the DA has found that they can't rent a black President, they've suddenly decided that Ms Zille is their candidate for president. And, in order for her to have some platform, they wish to set about this shadow chase of seeking a debate with the President ... [Interjections.] Rubbish to you, too! [Applause.] [Interjections.]
Order! Order!
The President will not have to debate this person. Our President was elected by our members as the candidate of the ANC. We didn't have to go and rent anybody. We don't need showboat cases and requests for debates. We are debating them in the public space ... [Interjections.]
Order! Order, hon members!
... and they must engage with us in that space. We will join them to discuss the economy when they have spoken to their close friends, the private sector, to invest in South Africa and the people of South Africa. [Applause.]
Mr Speaker, on a point of order: The Rules of Parliament insist that members in the gallery are not allowed to participate in the debate. Perhaps you ... [Interjections.]
Order, hon members! Order!
... could share with the ANC rent-a-crowd, in the gallery, to please not clap their hands.
Please take your seat, sir. Yes, members of the gallery, you are more than welcome in Parliament. It's your Parliament, but please don't participate in the activities of Parliament, including clapping hands.
Speaker, on a point of order: I would like to ask that we respect the people of South Africa. Many of them are visiting Parliament for the first time and they may not know the Rules. So, to call them a "rent-a-crowd of the ANC" is, I believe, insulting to those visitors. [Applause.]
Order! Order, hon members! You can't call the audience rent-a- crowd. It's clearly not acceptable.