Hon Chairperson, directly after the disruptions during the state of the nation address, Sona, several ANC Cabinet members were apoplectic about the disruptions that took place in this august House.
Most notably, the Minister in the Presidency told the world that the disruptions were disappointing, an embarrassment to the nation and an insult to those who fought for liberation. Yet, barely a few days later, a mere block away from us, ANC members in the Western Cape legislature attempted to disrupt the opening of the provincial Parliament by using the very same tactics that were strongly condemned by the very organisation they belong to.
At one point, Mr Fransman tried his level best to manufacture a Sona-like situation by hilariously claiming that the broadcast feed from the Chamber had been cut. The Speaker had to inform him that this claim was baseless.
The DA congratulates the Speaker of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament, WCPP, for handling the ANC's disruption in accordance with the Rules and the Constitution. Points of order were calmly and patiently taken from the ANC, and neither a single police officer nor any guns entered the chamber, nor was a single member of the House assaulted. Herein lie some lessons for our Presiding Officers. Thank you. [Applause.]