Order! Firstly, a point of order was raised by hon Balindlela in reference to an alleged statement made by hon Maluleke. You will recall that, at the time, we had a challenge with the translation. So, one would not have heard clearly the context in which the statement was made. The allegation was that the statement made was a racist reference, referring to a member as "the white man". I think, given that we had the challenge with interpreting, I would ask hon Maluleke whether she indeed made such a statement.
Chair, I didn't say "a white man". I said "umlungu", not "a white man". I said, "sehlare sa mosotho ke lekgowa" [the medicine of a black person is a white person], not "a white man" ... [Interjections.] No, not "a white man"!
Order! Hon members, this is a Sotho idiom and I think that given the context in which it has been used, there is nothing unparliamentary about it. However, it is important that members of the House are mindful of the challenge of our cultural diversity and that we should be sensitive, at times, to what perceptions could be formed. So, I advise hon members to be conscious of this reality in future.
The second point of order was in reference to a question that was asked by hon M C Masina and which was put to hon Basson, about whether there was any relation with Dr Wouter Basson. Again, after consultation with the Table, this matter is not ruled as unparliamentary. However, given the challenges of our political history, we would ask members to be sensitive in this regard.
Chair, I just want to know whether hon Mzwandile is a family member of Mr Hlaudi. [Interjections.]
Order! Hon members, I was not opening up the space for us to start asking about each other's relatives. That is why I said in my ruling that given our political history, we ought to be sensitive to these issues.
The third point of order, which was raised by the hon Chief Whip of the Opposition, related to a question asked by hon Lulu Johnson on whether it is parliamentary for a member to come to the House dressed in sleeveless clothes in winter. After consultation with the Table, I rule that there may not be anything unparliamentary about the question. However, given our history as a patriarchal society and the challenges we face in gender relations, we appeal to hon members to be sensitive and to ensure that we do not make statements that may be perceived as sexist in nature. I therefore rule that this matter is not unparliamentary. As I said, though, there should be sensitivity from all of us in the statements we make.
I would like to advise members that the Extended Public Committee on Human Settlements will meet at 14:00 in the National Assembly Chamber.
Debate concluded.