What happens in Parliament?

SECUNDA – Ms Tarnia Baker was recently chosen to become a DA Member of Parliament she shared her experience.

“Parliament has had a very full programme this past month, with the highlights clearly being the Minister of Finances budget and the oral questions session to the president.

“Both sessions have had their highs and lows, but both have ultimately been very disappointing.

“The jury is out on which session leads in this regard.

“Was it the tabled budget which only added to the woes of ordinary working South Africans already feeling the pinch of a rapidly declining economy and now will have to deal with increased taxes, Eskom hikes, petrol and road tax increases and the impending results these hikes will have on everyday life, with the proposed water tariff increases waiting in the wings?

“What about the poorest of the poor, no solutions offered for unemployed people or no hope for the future was offered.

“In fact I would propose that we name this the ‘increase report’ rather than the budget report.

“Or was it the president’s responses to questions posed by Members of Parliament?

“Listening to the president’s responses, these words of Mahatma Ghandi were brought to my mind: “When I despair I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won and a man of truth must be a man of care”.

“It is clear to me observing the actions and attitude, that the president of South Africa just does not care, for if he did, he would not have treated such serious issues which were addressed by Members of Parliament with such disdain.

“Every single question became a joke, a laughing matter.

“Mr Jacob Zuma was clearly enjoying himself on the podium, being spurred on by his jeering supporters who seemed to share his sense of humour.

“The integrity of Parliament and the people of South Africa has once again been insulted.

“And then we get to the Speaker of Parliament, Ms Baleka Mbete.

“Her proclamation that we are not all equal, is very telling and sums up her role in Parliament and entrenches the view that her paramount role is not to be an impartial and unbiased chairperson, but rather to protect the image of the president and the interests of the governing party.

“This statement flies in the face of our Constitution.

“We as a nation must ensure that we do our level best to hold the president of our country and all office bearers to account.

“We are public servants and serve we must.”