| PARLIAMENT OVERRIDES ITS RULES - SACCI CONCERNED |
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| Monday, 01 December 2008 11:24 |
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In a statement issued today by the CEO of SACCI, Mr. Neren Rau, said Quote The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry has addressed a letter to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms. Gwendelene Lindiwe Mahlangu-Nkabinde expressing concern that in order to complete the legislative programme for 2008 by the end of this week, Parliament agreed to override three of its rules. SACCI pointed out that Parliament is the cornerstone of our country’s democracy and that the rules that it has developed are designed to uphold and entrench procedures and processes that ensure that democratic principles are adhered to. SACCI believes that deviations from Parliamentary rules weaken the South African democratic platform. As a consequence perceptions, both within the country and globally, that the South African government has scant regard for democratic ideals are bound to arise, with a concomitant negative impact on investment, and hence on South Africa’s ability to achieve its social and development goals. SACCI further fears that there could be a ripple effect and that the already tight time constraints allowed for comments and representations on issues up for public debate will be ignored in attempts to fast track the legislative process. This would weaken democratic structures that thus far have proved to be relatively strong. SACCI therefore appeals to all politicians who are active in parliamentary structures, including the National Assembly, to carefully consider the repercussions, particularly those that could have an impact on democratic robustness, before deciding on any course of action. SACCI and the South African business community would like to have an undertaking from Parliament in this regard. Unquote Enquiries: Neren Rau – 083 701 2827 Peggy Drodskie - 011 446 3833 / 082 562 7087 |