The Democratic Alliance on Thursday called on parliamentary speaker Baleka Mbete to make sure the cellphone signal in the national assembly be re-established after it was jammed ahead of President Jacob Zuma’s state-of-the-nation address.
“Madam speaker, I rise on a rule of order … to draw your attention to the fact that the cellphone feed has been jammed… I submit this is in direct violation of the … constitution,” DA chief whip John Steenhuisen said in the house.
He said it was also a violation of the bill of rights.
“The DA would like to request you to instruct whoever is responsible … to please turn off that device.”
Mbete said she would make sure the secretary of parliament followed up on the issues.
The DA’s call was supported by the Economic Freedom Fighters and the Freedom Front Plus.
EFF chief whip Floyd Shivambu suggested that Mbete adjourn the house until the situation had been sorted out. — Sapa