ANC Condemns Its MP’s Alleged “Despicable” Behaviour

The Office of the ANC Chief Whip said in a statement Friday that it “strongly condemns” the incident which occurred in a plenary session of the National Assembly last night. “The behavior of ANC MP Mervyn Dirks was despicable and not in keeping with the image of parliament and the organisation he represents, the African National Congress,” said the Chief Whip.

On Thursday, 30 November 2017, member Dirks allegedly insulted and threatened to assault another ANC MP, Thozama Mantashe.

Member Dirks further went on to show his middle finger to other members of parliament. This member also allegedly called other members of Parliament “dogs” on his Facebook account, said the statement.

The ANC Chief Whip has written to the Speaker of the National Assembly requesting an investigation into this incident. If found to be true, these actions cannot go unpunished.

“We have also written to the Secretary General of the ANC to institute disciplinary action against this member. We believe that these actions amount to gross misconduct and bring the organisation into disrepute.

“It is very regrettable that while observing 16 Days of Activism Against Women and Child Abuse, a male member of parliament would threaten to assault a female member in Parliament.

“Members of Parliament ought to be the custodians of our Constitution and this democracy. It is therefore unacceptable that a member of Parliament can be found to be involved in such unbecoming behavior.”

Issued by the Office of the ANC Chief Whip