Cope and DA walked out of the NA

By Nomava Nobumba
16 February 2010

Congress of the People parliamentary leader Mvume Dandala has defended the action of their member Mluleki George.

George was asked to withdraw the statement he made during the State of the Nation Address debate yesterday that President Jacob Zuma was leading the country to lawlessness, which he refused.

During the ruling by Deputy Speaker Nomaindia Mfeketho on the matter this afternoon, Cope and DA member stormed out of the Assembly defying the ruling.

Dandala says the Deputy speaker misunderstood their member, therefore his party will contest the ruling.

“Mr George’s words were it appears that the nation is deliberately led to lawlessness,” said Dandala.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance Chief Whip Ian Davidson says for them to walk away was not a question of solidarity.

He says Deputy Speaker mislead the members of Parliament on her ruling.

“Deputy Speaker read the rule incorrect, while the rule specifically excludes the members of government,” said Davidson.

Davidson said now they will engage in talks with the Speaker of parliament, Max Sisulu.