ANC dismisses Lekota ‘attention seeking’
July 31 2012
Independent Newspapers
(File image) Congress of the People leader Mosiuoa Lekota. Photo: Gareth Smit
Cape Town - Cope leader Mosiuoa Lekota’s court challenge against his expulsion from a National Assembly sitting was a publicity stunt, ANC chief whip Mathole Motshekga said on Tuesday.
“It is a laughable and bizarre court action, which Lekota himself knows stands no chance of succeeding,” Motshekga said.
He said the court challenge should be welcomed as it would “serve as an educational course” on the basic rules of Parliament for Lekota.
“It will thereby groom him to be a better member of Parliament.”
Lekota was ordered to leave the assembly after comments he made about President Jacob Zuma and The Spear painting.
He criticised Zuma during the Presidency Budget Vote debate for not defending the constitutional rights of artist Brett Murray or City Press editor Ferial Haffajee.
The court “will educate” Lekota that Parliament may determine and control its internal arrangements and make rules and orders concerning its business, said Motshekga.
Lekota filed papers in the High Court in the Western Cape on Monday.
The legal action is directed towards Parliament and Deputy Speaker Nomaindia Mfeketo. - Sapa