Deputy Speaker battles disrespect from some MPs
The first 15 months in office have not been easy for Deputy Speaker Helen Manyaneng, particularly the current parliament and the State of the Nation Address (SONA) session.
Despite her consistent efforts to preside firmly and uphold parliamentary order while holding the fort, legislators have often appeared reluctant to accord her the same level of respect and cooperation they readily extend to Speaker Dithapelo Keorapetse.
On several occasions, proceedings under her watch have been marked by interruptions, resistance, and open disregard for her authority.
While numerous examples can be cited, the underlying issue seems to be an expectation by some members that Manyaneng should mirror the Speaker’s leadership style, one defined by independence, fairness, and an unwavering commitment to equal treatment of all legislators.
The observation of the ongoing session is that Keorapetse’s approach has not only strengthened the integrity of parliamentary proceedings but has also instilled confidence in the legislative process.
By conducting affairs with professionalism and dignity, he is setting a new tone for constructive engagement among political leaders.
Keorapetse, a former legislator and a skilled debater, upholds parliamentary standing orders with impartiality, ensuring fairness across the aisle without bias or hesitation.
He has consistently enforced decorum, instructing members to take their seats when their points of order lack validity.
When it comes to her role as Deputy Speaker, what is evident is that Manyaneng, just like Keorapetse, does not take instructions from anyone on how to run parliamentary debates, other than strictly applying the Standing Orders.
This, however, is something some legislators feel she applies unevenly. Granted, Manyaneng at times loses her temper, but who could really blame her? Unlike the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker is a politician and will inevitably remain one.
The real tragedy, however, lies in a habit that Members of Parliament, particularly those in opposition, are well known for exploiting. This is not unique to the current Parliament; it has been a feature of past parliaments as well. MPs are often harsh critics of the Speakership, sometimes without justification.
Manyaneng is an unfortunate presiding officer because everything she does is constantly measured against Speaker Keorapetse, who has performed exceptionally well.
Keorapetse is a political science graduate who, since completing his first degree, has been a legislator. He is deeply immersed in parliamentary procedures. When he is compared to a deputy who is holding a parliamentary leadership position for the first time, the task becomes an uphill battle.
This reality is reflected in the behaviour of legislators on both sides of the aisle. There are moments when Manyaneng is presiding and the atmosphere suggests that legislators wish Keorapetse were in the chair, even when she is clearly doing her best.
A clear example is the incident when Assistant Minister Mokwaledi Moswaane rose on a point of procedure while Manyaneng was still listening to the member on the floor, only for him to blurt out, “Tota ke eng le nyatsa batho jaana.”
In her early days, she frequently clashed with the Thamaga legislator, Pabalelo Motaosane, to the extent that the Speaker had to intervene and broker peace.
This conduct is not new. It has happened before, where in the absence of the Speaker, dissatisfied opposition legislators push boundaries. Similar situations occurred during the era of Dr Margaret
Nasha and her deputies, Gladys Kokorwe, Kagiso Molathegi, Pandu Skelemani and Pono Moatlhodi.
The pattern is that deputy speakers are always compared to speakers, even when they perform well. Deputy Speakers are politicians who feel compelled to stand their ground, whereas the Speaker only needs to defend the institution of the speakership itself.
The Deputy, on the other hand, must also protect their personal and parliamentary reputation. This explains why they sometimes become agitated, as their performance scorecard also feeds into their role as Members of Parliament.
What many MPs overlook is that presiding takes time to master. It is only her first year, and with practice she will mature. She too must exercise patience.
Overall, there have been noticeable improvements in debate quality from both sides of the aisle, as well as greater efficiency in ministers’ responses.
That said, there are times when legislators appear disorganised, as if they have run out of a clear agenda, jumping from one issue to another and sometimes descending into pettiness.
Compared to past sessions, particularly under the new government, the session ending on Friday shows progress when measured against the beginning.
Ministers are doing better in responding to questions and in terms of attendance. Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe leads the pack, having shown that instead of merely answering questions, he often provides additional detail to educate the nation. His responses are consistently calm.
Minister Moeti Mohwasa remains his usual self—a tough nut to crack, solid and consistent. A skilled communicator, he answers questions directly and avoids politicking, making a clear distinction between the UDC as a political party and the government.
Rarely does he take the fight to the opposition. He also performed well in engaging the media and facilitated a meeting between President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko and the media to build mutual understanding.
Minister Ketlhalefile Motshegwa has quickly grasped the demands of his portfolio and understands how critical his ministry is to the nation. A workaholic by nature, he is always ready to respond to questions and appears set on getting the ministry on the right track.
Minister Onneile Mogapi is not defined by his colourful suits or light-hearted humour; he provides comprehensive answers and is an effective messenger.
Assistant Minister Lawrance Ookeditse is also putting in visible effort, investing time and energy into his responses.
Assistant Minister Maipelo Mophuting has shown marked improvement from the early days when she sometimes appeared in Parliament with half-baked information, or none at all, once even earning a reprimand from the Speaker. Those days are gone, as she is now consistently on point.
The opposition also performed well under the circumstances. Leader of the Opposition Dumelang Saleshando remains a firebrand who does his research and speaks his mind, as do Dr Kesitegile Gobotswang, Taolo Lucas, Caterpillar Hikuama and Goretetse Kekgonegile.
The former ruling party, the BDP, owes much to Pabalelo Motaosane, who continues to fly their flag high. Putting aside his temperament, he is effective and knows when to take the floor and articulate issues. In the last session, Mabuse Pule also performed exceptionally well.
Mother of the House Unity Dow has not earned that title for nothing; she is always exceptional, and she raises the bar every time she takes the floor.
That explains why many, if not all, are looking at her more in a leadership role of the BCP because her experience is shining through.
The four BDP legislators must recognise that their small numbers place a greater responsibility on them to keep the party relevant. If they fail to do so in the House, they risk further losses should they lose those four seats. Inaction will mark the beginning of the end for the party.
These four MPs must engage more actively; if they do not raise the flag high in Parliament, they will be the ones to complete the erasure of their party from power through their own inactivity.