Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Annelie Lotriet, says she is referring several Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Members of Parliament to the Speaker for possible disciplinary action following their disruption of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s question and answer session on Tuesday. This comes after a heated sitting where multiple EFF MPs, both in the chamber and online, interrupted proceedings with repeated points of order.

Lotriet confirmed in an interview with Newzroom Afrika that the next step is formal communication with Speaker Thoko Didiza. “Yes, that was what I said, and that is how the process works. As a result, I now send the Speaker a letter with reports on the events and a recommendation. She added that over ten members could be implicated, including those participating virtually: “It’s quite a few. I think in the region of 10 plus members because there were several members on the virtual platform, and that will also be part of the report.�

�� Lotriet explained that the disruptions began when a member exceeded their allocated time to speak and refused to yield when instructed to do so. "In terms of the rules, you are done when the presiding officer tells you your time is up. After that, you stop talking. But unfortunately, this member went on and on and disregarded the authority of the presiding officer.” The presence of two bodyguards during the session was another contentious issue. Lotriet confirmed that she had been informed that they were sitting in the gallery and that they were guardians of the president and vice president, respectively. “They’re not allowed if it’s in the house, but in the gallery. And that is the information that I got. And that is why I also said that I will undertake to look into this matter,” she said.

She added that the current use of the smaller Good Hope Chamber, due to the fire-damaged Parliament building, posed spatial and logistical challenges. "So, yes, that is not the ideal situation, granted; that portion was not clearly defined." On whether the bodyguards knew they should not have been in that area, Lotriet said: “That could be possible. That is why I said I will look into the matter. So, I cannot make any assumptions on their regard.” As for possible sanctions facing the EFF MPs, Lotriet said the matter would be handled by the Powers and Privileges Committee in accordance with legislation. “It’s on a scale from a reprimand going up to being suspended for a month from parliamentary activities, as well as losing out on a month’s salary. However, the committee will have to decide on that.

She expressed disappointment at the disruption, stating it undermined Parliament’s role and deprived South Africans of much-needed accountability. “What happened now is that a number of members were denied the opportunity to pose questions to the president. And that is a disservice to the public.” Responding to accusations of bias from EFF leader Julius Malema, Lotriet defended her impartiality. "I'm pretty sure that I did everything according to the rules." The bias is in the eye of the beholder.” She added that Parliament has formal procedures for handling such complaints. Lotriet highlighted the need for accountability and respect within the institution. “This is a disservice. We are the people's representatives. It goes to more than just a bit of disruption.

��