Madam Deputy Speaker, the DA calls on the ANC Chief Whip, the hon Mbulelo Goniwe to immediately come clean about allegations that he used his position of authority to improperly proposition a female parliamentary employee. This allegation is only the latest in a number of scandals to afflict the hon Goniwe, who also recently attempted to use parliamentary privilege to avoid paying maintenance for his children. In light of these scandals, the hon Goniwe needs to make an unambiguous personal and political commitment to gender equality in order to prove that his party's commitment to this cause is not just hollow rhetoric. The battle for the rights of women in South Africa to be treated with respect and as equal citizens has been long and difficult and in many respects it has still not been won. Therefore, it is completely unacceptable for any South African, more particularly one who holds a position of high authority, to act in a manner that undermines this right.
The hon Goniwe needs to act decisively before any more damage is done to either the reputation of the institution he represents or the cause of gender equality. [Applause.]