ANC to deal with ill-discipline in Parliament
The ANC's Parliamentary caucus on Tuesday said it plans to 'to cleanse and detoxify' itself to regain the moral high ground in the legislature.
The party's Chief Whip Jackson Mthembu briefed the media on the ANC's Midterm Lekgotla.
Mthembu told journalists good governance requires fearless oversight of the executive by the legislature.
"It shall no longer be business as usual; the ANC in Parliament will in both words and deed, regain moral high ground, vigorously advance clean governance, champion the fight against corruption, shun incompetence and decisively deal with ill-discipline," he said.
The Chief Whip said it will require highly disciplined, quality and capable MPs if the ANC Parliamentary Caucus is to be at the forefront of robust parliamentary oversight.
"The Midterm Lekgotla has directed the Office of the Chief Whip to strengthen caucus support service to support MPs, particularly in areas of research and legal support for study groups, ensure all MPs internalise the new House rules and enforce maximum discipline amongst all MPs," he said.
According to Mthembu, the Whippery collective has put in place an attendance tracking and performance evaluation mechanism to drastically curb absenteeism and discourage idleness.
He said the Lekgotla has resolved that MPs who are found by the Caucus Disciplinary Committee to have repeatedly absconded or violated the code of conduct must be recommended to the ANC for their immediate recall from Parliament.
"The public deserves representatives that takes their parliamentary tasks seriously and demonstrate commitment to serve. This harsher measure seeks to encourage diligence and uprightness, faithful presence in the House and committees, and an attitude of respect and accountability towards the electorate by MPs."
Mthembu in support of Gordhan
Mthembu said the party would accompany Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan to the courts as a member of the ANC.
This comes after the National Prosecuting Authority this morning announced that Gordhan, along with former SARS Commissioner Oupa Magashula and former Deputy Commissioner Ivan Pillay, have been summoned to appear in court on 2 November.
Mthembu said Gordhan has their support as a disciplined cadre of the movement and as a wonderful finance minister.
"I'm speaking on this matter as Jackson Mthembu, a person who sat with Gordhan in the National Executive Committee of the ANC."