Nkandla a no-go topic in Sona debate

The ANC was not happy when DA leader Mmusi Maimane mentioned the Nkandla saga during debate on the State of the Nation Address on Tuesday, saying it was sub judice.

No MP shall reflect on the merits of any matter on which a judicial decision is pending #SONADebate

— Parliament of RSA (@ParliamentofRSA) February 15, 2016

ANC deputy chief whip Dorris Dlakude interrupted Maimane's address to raise a point of order.

"The matter he is referring to is in the court of law,"  she said.

National Assembly Speaker Baleka Mbete asked Maimane to refrain from discussing the merits of any matter before the courts, including Nkandla.

She said it could be mentioned in a general manner, but in no way which could prejudice it. She cautioned MPs about pre-empting court judgments.

On Monday, Parliament outlined rules for the debate in a series of tweets: "No MP shall reflect on the merits of any matter on which a judicial decision is pending #SONADebate."

No MP shall reflect on the merits of any matter on which a judicial decision is pending #SONADebate

DA chief whip John Steenhuisen was not satisfied with Mbete's ruling and accused her of being restrictive.

Source: News24