Visvin Reddy referred to Disciplinary Committee over 'Pemmy must go' outburst in Parliament
Powers and Privileges Committee acts on Visvin Reddy’s conduct, referring him to the Disciplinary Committee. He was was ejected from the National Assembly after leading chants for Minister Majodina’s resignation amid national water concerns.
Image: Tumi Pakkies/ Independent Newspapers
The Powers and Privileges Committee has referred MK Party Member of Parliament (MP) Visvin Reddy to Parliament's Disciplinary Committee following his conduct during a heated National Assembly (NA) sitting on March 4, 2025.
This comes after Reddy was ordered to leave the chamber for repeatedly shouting, “Pemmy must go,” in a call for Water Minister Pemmy Majodina’s removal amid a worsening national water crisis.
The committee, chaired by Weziwe Tikana-Gxotiwe, said that while Reddy’s conduct did not constitute contempt of Parliament under Section 12 of the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act, it did amount to misconduct.
Tikana-Gxotiwe said the matter was referred to the committee by the Speaker of the National Assembly (NA) in terms of rule 214 of the NA Rules. '
'The committee will table its report to the NA for consideration.''
The incident occurred during a sitting convened to debate a 2023 petition from residents of Germiston’s Wards 20, 29, 36, and 92. The petitioners accused the City of Ekurhuleni of failing to ensure a reliable water supply.
Reddy condemned Minister Majodina’s leadership, accusing her of mishandling the crisis.
“This Minister is unfit for office. She’s in denial, she’s out of touch, and she’s failed our nation. All these GNU parties here should hang their heads in shame,” he told the House.
He further criticised the government for prioritising “positions and power over people,” and added that the proposed measures lacked urgency.
“We demand real action. These demands that we are discussing here do not put water in the taps of Germiston residents.”
Despite attempts by Deputy Speaker Annelie Lotriet to bring order to the debate, Reddy continued chanting “Pemmy must go!” and urged others to join him, resulting in his removal from the chamber.
In a separate matter, the committee also considered the conduct of MP Marlon Daniels during the NA sitting on April 2, 2025.
"The committee also considered another matter referred by the Speaker relating to the conduct of Mr Marlon Daniels on 2 April 2025. The committee resolved to proceed with a formal inquiry to determine, through oral evidence, whether Mr Daniels' actions constituted contempt of Parliament in terms of the Act and NA Rules,'' said Tikana-Gxotiwe.
Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel
IOL Politics