For the first time in its existence‚ Parliament was suspended due to labour unrest on Tuesday after members of the National Education‚ Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) took over the National Assembly chamber.
They sang and chanted “Asonwabanga‚ epalamente sifun’ imali asonwabanga!” (loosely translated: “we are not happy in Parliament‚ we want money”)‚ making it impossible for MPs to debate the adjustments to the national budget.
They then changed to “Makuliwe!” (let us fight!).
Union members are unhappy about wage and salary issues‚ and about the securitisation of Parliament by the state security agency.
Parliament reached an agreement with the union on wage issues last week‚ only for Nehawu to renege on it on Friday.
Earlier on Tuesday morning‚ a sitting of the Portfolio Committee on Public Works was disrupted by Nehawu supporters dancing on tables and singing‚ which meant the expropriation bill could not be debated.
The committee was moved to a secure venue.
National Assembly chairperson Grace Boroto tried to restore order‚ but failed.
She then suspended proceedings indefinitely as union members ululated and blew on vuvzelas.
It was unclear at the time of publication how the situation would be resolved.
Parliament is sitting on Tuesday and Wednesday to pass the budget.
Democratic Alliance chief whip John Steenhuisen said a failure to pass the budget by Wednesday would have “grave implications” for Treasury as the budget process had already been left too late.
Parliamentary spokesman Luzuko Jacobs arrived at the National Assembly but did not speak to the media.
Nehawu branch chair S’thembiso Tembe said that MPs “must be prepared to assist us“.
He also said the union was ready for “anything today“.
While normal police officers were keeping watch over the strikers‚ no public order police are currently on scene.
Nehawu invades National Assembly chamber
They sang and chanted “Asonwabanga‚ epalamente sifun’ imali asonwabanga!” (loosely translated: “we are not happy in Parliament‚ we want money”)‚ making it impossible for MPs to debate the adjustments to the national budget.
They then changed to “Makuliwe!” (let us fight!).
Union members are unhappy about wage and salary issues‚ and about the securitisation of Parliament by the state security agency.
Parliament reached an agreement with the union on wage issues last week‚ only for Nehawu to renege on it on Friday.
Earlier on Tuesday morning‚ a sitting of the Portfolio Committee on Public Works was disrupted by Nehawu supporters dancing on tables and singing‚ which meant the expropriation bill could not be debated.
The committee was moved to a secure venue.
National Assembly chairperson Grace Boroto tried to restore order‚ but failed.
She then suspended proceedings indefinitely as union members ululated and blew on vuvzelas.
It was unclear at the time of publication how the situation would be resolved.
Parliament is sitting on Tuesday and Wednesday to pass the budget.
Democratic Alliance chief whip John Steenhuisen said a failure to pass the budget by Wednesday would have “grave implications” for Treasury as the budget process had already been left too late.
Parliamentary spokesman Luzuko Jacobs arrived at the National Assembly but did not speak to the media.
Nehawu branch chair S’thembiso Tembe said that MPs “must be prepared to assist us“.
He also said the union was ready for “anything today“.
While normal police officers were keeping watch over the strikers‚ no public order police are currently on scene.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos