Parliament cannot institute disciplinary actions against Zuma

Law Professor at the University of Cape Town, Richard Calland says Parliament cannot institute disciplinary proceedings against the President as he is not a member of the House.

United Democratic Movement (UDM) leader Bantu Holomisa has written to the National Assembly Speaker asking that a disciplinary inquiry be instituted against President Jacob Zuma. He says the panel should be made up of three retired judges as the National Assembly is conflicted.

The Constitutional Court ruled that the President had failed to uphold, defend and respect the constitution by not abiding by the Public Protector’s remedial action on Nkandla.

Calland says Parliament cannot discipline a non-member.

“When the MPs are sworn in, the first thing they do is elect the President; he then ceases to be a Member of Parliament.”