By: Saneliso Mlambo
The ANC Parliamentary Caucus has condemned Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema’s conduct during the Section 89 Impeachment Committee proceedings, accusing him of disrupting Parliament’s constitutional work.
The caucus issued a statement on Thursday, alleging Malema launched personal attacks against ANC MP Cameron Dugmore during Wednesday’s virtual committee meeting.
According to the ANC, the incident unfolded after Dugmore called on Malema to observe Parliament’s rules and address members in the appropriate parliamentary manner. The caucus alleged that Malema responded with personal insults, including calling Dugmore a “bloody racist” and a “clown,” rather than engaging with the committee’s work.
The ANC said the exchange undermined the dignity of Parliament and fell short of the standards expected of Members of Parliament. It argued that Parliament’s constitutional responsibilities should not be overshadowed by personal attacks or political spectacle.
The caucus also rejected what it described as Malema’s use of racism allegations during the exchange. It maintained that Dugmore merely stated he had participated in the struggle against apartheid while Malema was still a child, adding that he never referred to the EFF leader as a “boy.”
“The facts are clear,” the ANC Parliamentary Caucus said in its statement, accusing Malema of distorting the exchange instead of addressing the matters before the committee.
The ANC further said allegations of racism should not be used as a political shield to avoid accountability, arguing that such claims are too serious to be trivialised for political point-scoring.
The statement concluded by calling on all Members of Parliament to uphold parliamentary rules, respect the institution and ensure the interests of South Africa take precedence over political disputes.
The EFF and Malema had not issued a response to the ANC Parliamentary Caucus statement at the time of publication.