Political parties in South Africa are calling for National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza to reject a sponsored offer of food and alcohol for parliamentarians after next week's State of the Nation Address (SONA). Several parties expressed concerns about the ethical implications and potential for alcohol abuse.
Several political parties in South Africa are calling for National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza to reject a sponsored offer of food and alcohol for parliamentarians following next week's State of the Nation Address (SONA). Parliament has not hosted a post-SONA dinner since 2017 when former Speaker Baleka Mbete faced criticism for hosting one in her personal capacity.
Once a common tradition accompanying the State of the Nation Address, Parliament discontinued these lavish dinners during the sixth administration as a cost-saving measure. While the identity of the caterer for this year's event remains undisclosed, numerous political parties in attendance at Thursday's programme committee meeting strongly advocated for rejecting the offer, particularly the provision of alcohol.Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) representative Hlengiwe Mkhaliphi expressed that accepting such a donation would be deeply insensitive to those experiencing food insecurity. 'We don't want food donated to members of Parliament, and we don’t want alcohol. That’s unethical. Members of Parliament would be drunk,' she stated. African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP)'s Steve Swart, while acknowledging that sponsored dinners were not uncommon in the past, also voiced his concerns. 'We don’t want to have the situation where alcohol is abused in any way and there could be disruptions,' he cautioned.African Transformation Movement (ATM)'s Vuyo Zungula argued that Members of Parliament are financially capable of providing for their own meals and that offers of alcohol should be declined. However, African National Congress (ANC) Chief Whip Mdumiseni Ntuli expressed contentment that the donors have no business ties to Parliament and asserted that MPs possess the self-discipline to moderate their alcohol consumption. 'We have confidence that there are no responsible members of Parliament who can decide to get drunk on the basis that there’s free alcohol,' he stated. Speaker Thoko Didiza clarified that the catering is not intended to be extravagant but rather to offer MPs and their guests refreshments following the evening session. She explained that the food would be served in a marquee situated across from City Hall, where President Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled to deliver the address
South Africa SONA Parliament Alcohol Ethics
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
South African Parties Gear Up for Crucial 2026 Local ElectionsAfter the 2024 general election, South African political parties are already focusing on the 2026 local elections. The rise of hung councils and the ANC's decline in electoral support present challenges for the country's political landscape.
Read more »
South African Opposition Parties Vow to Challenge Expropriation Bill in CourtPresident Cyril Ramaphosa's signing of the Expropriation Bill into law has sparked controversy, with opposition parties and organizations pledging legal action against the legislation. The Bill aims to address land inequality by allowing for expropriation without compensation, but critics argue it threatens private property rights and investor confidence.
Read more »
South African Political Parties Threaten Legal Challenge to Controversial Land Expropriation BillThe newly signed Expropriation Bill in South Africa has sparked outrage amongst opposition parties, who threaten legal action against the legislation. The bill, intended to address historical land injustices, has been criticized for its procedural shortcomings and lack of clarity.
Read more »
South African Parties Demand Answers on Congo Troop SituationPolitical parties in South Africa are criticizing delays in receiving information about the status of South African troops deployed to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following the deaths of 13 soldiers. They are demanding a full briefing from Defence Minister Angie Motshekga regarding the welfare of troops and the repatriation of deceased soldiers' remains.
Read more »
South African Celebrities Ring in the New Year with African AdventuresCelebrities like Pearl Thusi, Anele Mdoda, Neo Nontso, and Rachel Kolisi enjoyed diverse experiences across Africa during the New Year, from skydiving and scenic cruises to solo explorations.
Read more »
Rwanda Denounces South Africa Over DRC ConflictRwandan President Paul Kagame has refuted South Africa's portrayal of events in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), accusing the South African government of supporting armed groups and hindering peace efforts. Kagame condemned the South African National Defence Force's (SANDF) involvement in the conflict, claiming it was aiding the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (DFLR) and exacerbating tensions in the region. He disputed South African claims that the Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) and M23 rebels attacked the SANDF, asserting that the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (DFLR) were responsible for the deaths of 13 South African soldiers.
Read more »