We need leaders, not a bunch of unruly children

25 July 2014 - 02:12 By The Times Editorial
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It can, in a way, be amusing to watch politicians reduce parliament to being one big circus - but there is nothing funny about having our democracy reduced to the level of a cartoon network.

Yes, it is important to have robust engagement on the issues, and it is part of democracy to hear a wide variety of views expressed, but one cannot create order from nothing more than chaos.

Debate can be robust and still be civilised. It is worrying when MPs begin behaving like rowdy drunks in a pub, seemingly oblivious to the watching public.

The level of debate must be raised.

We agree with President Jacob Zuma: let us agree to disagree with respect.

Zuma denied that he was pointing a finger at any individual MP but stressed it was "important in our democracy to respect our own rules so that we can teach the people we lead as lawmakers that the laws we make here must be respected by the nation".

The rowdy behaviour of our MPs must not be allowed to degenerate into farce. The nation would be the poorer and our parliament would resemble a bun-fighting ring.

Though it was expected that Economic Freedom Fighters MPs would add a bit of spark to the proceedings, and occasionally be radical just for the sake of it, it is disappointing to see ANC members outclassing them in rowdiness.

Instead of rising above street politics, the EFF and ANC are determined to vulgarise parliament and turn it into their own personal show.

We expect MPs to speak in a way that highlights the public's needs and aspirations, not detract from the issues.

We are less interested in who has the best insults than in who can propose the best solutions to our problems.

The way in which parliamentary proceedings are presently conducted suggests that all you need for a political career is a talent for making insults.

The parties should be careful about the image they project, especially now, when leadership is so sorely lacking.

Order, order, order, honorable members.

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