Speaker Proposes Extraordinary Extended National Assembly Debate and Follow up on Civil Unrest Enquiries

Parliament, Thursday 22 July 2021 - National Assembly (NA) Speaker Ms Thandi Modise has proposed an extraordinary extended NA debate on the early July civil unrest, looting and destruction of property - reportedly provoked to undermine economic and political stability.

Ms Modise makes this proposal in her memorandum to political parties represented in the NA. She suggests this debate be scheduled as soon as possible when the NA reconvenes in early August, preferably during the first week of House sittings.

She also recommends that reports of committees already involved in oversight activities on the unrest inform the proposed extraordinary extended NA debate. This means these committees should prioritise their engagements, confer if necessary and report to the NA as soon as possible before the House reconvenes.

Deliberation on these reports during the proposed extraordinary debate may lead to further enquiries. So, one or two weeks should be added to the NA's forthcoming quarter. This would provide more opportunities for questions to Cabinet Ministers and for committee deliberations. Questions to Cabinet Ministers concerned with the unrest should be prioritised, Ms Modise proposes.

The NA Programme Committee (NAPC) will be convened soon to finalise these arrangements. If there are deadlines for Question Sessions, dates may have to be secured and communicated before the NAPC meeting, Ms Modise says in her memorandum.

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
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