Hon Chair, the serious allegations against Mr Mgidlana and subsequent findings, has caused an embarrassment for all us as an institution. Parliament is meant to work against corruption and abuse of power through oversight and formulation of legislation. Unfortunately, the findings of misconduct, abuse of power and misuse of funds against a senior member of this institution does not reflect well on Parliament's public image. Hon Chair, this is not the first time that we as Parliament have had to sanction the removal of a Secretary of Parliament, it is the second time. There must never be a third time.
The reason lies in how some of these officials are appointed to their posts. Hon Mente spoke about cadre
deployment and I want to agree. Some of the hon members who were here in the fifth Parliament will know how this gentleman was protected by somebody in higher office, sitting right behind me. When allegations were made against the Secretary to Parliament, [interjections]..., not the particular Chairperson, but sitting in the same seat.
When the allegations were made particularly by Nehawu about some of the shenanigans that the Secretary to Parliament was involved in, it fell on deaf ears. Now the truth has prevailed as it is said the truth shall prevail. We therefore welcome the disciplinary enquiry. We welcome the fact that the Secretary to Parliament should be removed from office. It has come late as the hon Mente has said, but better late than never.
Hon Chair, it also brings into question the long delays to deal with such cases. We know that due legal process has to be followed, but it is over two years that this gentleman has been receiving a salary and has been a drain on the fiscus. If you look at the public service, there are many more cases such as this, where people have
been suspended with full pay and the cases taking a long time to finalise. I think, we as Parliament have a responsibility and a duty to ensure that there is some way to shorten this process so that these elements can be out of our system and not be a drain on us as the fiscus.
Finally, I know that when the Secretary to Parliament is appointed, there is an interview committee which comprises of the executive authority and in the last instance they used some expert. I believe that the time has come when Members of Parliament from different political parties together with the executive authority and these experts must form this panel. In that way there can be a better view and there will hopefully be no chance for cadre deployment. We can get a person that we can trust and that will hold this institution in high esteem and regard. We support the motion. Thank you very much.
THE HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T FROLICK): Thank you hon
member, the hon Swart and thank you for the correction hon Singh.