All systems were working when EFF disrupted parliament: ICT manager

All information and communication technology (ICT) systems were in working order on the day EFF MPs disrupted National Assembly proceedings, Parliament's powers and privileges committee heard on Monday.

This was the testimony of Ravi Poliah, Parliament's ICT manager, who was the second witness to be sworn in at the disciplinary hearing of Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema and 19 other EFF MPs.

"If there was an error that occurred during the sitting, we have an incident logged with us," Poliah said.

"As far as I'm aware, there were no issues logged."

On August 21, shortly before the charged MPs disrupted question time to President Jacob Zuma, Malema had complained that EFF members pressed the to-talk button but did not get a chance to ask their question as they were too far down on the list.

Only the first four MPs who press their buttons are allowed to ask questions.

Poliah said the electronic system which determined the order in which MPs should ask questions was in fact working on August 21, and that pre-testing of the system had picked up no errors.

Five other witnesses are expected to give evidence on certain instances -- where they played a role in engagements during the period just before the suspension of the sitting until the adjournment of the House.

They include National Assembly sergeant-at-arms Regina Mohlomi, Telecommunications Minister Siyabonga Cwele, State Security Minister David Mahlobo, deputy ANC chief whip Doris Dlakude, and DA deputy chief whip John Steenhuisen.

Malema and his colleagues face charges of disrupting and displaying contempt for the National Assembly after shouting "pay back the money" at Zuma.

This was after Malema questioned the president about Public Protector Thuli Madonsela's directive to reimburse the state for luxuries added to his Nkandla home.