DA's Gibson censured after visit to Mbeki house

Nadia Samie
21 September 2006

Following his now infamous visit to President Thabo Mbeki and First Lady Zanele Mbeki’s retirement home, Democratic Alliance chief whip Douglas Gibson was censured by Parliament yesterday.

Parliament found that Gibson had infringed on the Mbeki’s dignity.

On the 1st September, Gibson led a group of journalists and photographers to the president’s retirement home in Houghton, Johannesburg.

ANC Chief Whip Mbulelo Goniwe called Gibson’s actions "reprehensible", saying that his conduct exceeded all bounds of political maturity, was undignified and unbecoming" of an MP.

The motion before parliament called on the House to condemn Gibson's actions, saying that he should apologise to the Mbeki’s, to Parliament, and to the nation. After fierce debate, the motion was agreed to by the house.

Gibson reiterated to Bush Radio again this afternoon that he would not apologise for what he calls “doing his job".