Hon members, earlier today hon Shivambu wrote to the Speaker to request an opportunity to give a personal explanation of an incident that occurred in the National Assembly on 17 September 2014.
National Assembly Rule 692 states that a member may, with the prior consent of the presiding officer, explain matters of a personal nature but that such matters may not be debated and that the member should confine himself or herself strictly to the vindication of his or her own conduct.
I shall now allow the member the opportunity as requested. Hon Shivambu.
Hon Deputy Speaker, I want to rise to withdraw and unconditionally apologise for showing the middle finger to the Deputy President in this House. The apology is unconditional. There is no justification for having done that because I do agree and admit that it was inappropriate.
Parliament should be a space where we ideologically and politically engage on issues of substance and not show signs that are inappropriate. So I move that the House accept this unconditional apology. Thank you very much.
As members will be aware the incident in the National Assembly on 17 September involving hon Shivambu was referred to the Powers and Privileges Committee in terms of Rule 194. The personal explanation now given by hon Shivambu will be forwarded to the Powers and Privileges Committee. Thank you.