Madam Speaker, the ACDP welcomes the fact that clarity has now been given to the contentious issue of procedures for Speaking Sequence and the composition of the Chief Whips’ Forum. While we appreciate the fact that there was quite robust engagement on the 24th of March, almost verging on disruptive conduct, I think the important point that needs to be made is that there are structures in Parliament that deal with grievances as are now being graphically illustrated. Once one refers your grievance to the correct channels, the Rules Committee, it is very quick where a credible and worthy cause can be heard and rules can be amended. So, we support the amendment in that regard.
We also support the report relating to the composition of the Chief Whips’ Forum, which plays a crucial role in the effective running of Parliament and where matters affecting political parties can be canvassed.
And, just as much as we support the inclusion of every political party on the Chief Whip’s Forum, so do we, as the ACDP, support the right of every political party to speak during debates and to have adequate time to develop their arguments in those debates.
In that regard, we, as the ACDP, believe in fact, that smaller growing parties should not have less time put, but should be more time. And so, we differ from the honourable speaker from the EFF in that regard.
That having been said, the ACDP will support this report.
I thank you.
