MP accused of hate speech

2003-04-16 14:32

Craig Elyott

Pietermaritzburg - African National Congress MP Peggy Nkoyeni has been accused of using hate speech after a verbal attack alleged to have been made on former agriculture and environmental affairs MEC Narend Singh.

The attack was made during the debate on the economic development and tourism budget in the KwaZulu-Natal legislature last Thursday.

In her speech, Nkonyeni said she would like to see a certain member of the provincial executive committee deported to India to learn about democracy.

She added that the person should also face serious charges and was "part and parcel" in destroying the province.

Although Nkonyeni did not refer to Singh by name, the MEC has demanded in an affidavit lodged with the speaker of the legislature on Tuesday night, to know to whom Nkonyeni was refering "since I am the only Indian member of the executive council".

Singh's affidavit also accuses Nkonyeni of making statements contrary to Rule 97, which governs unparliamentary language and the advocacy of hatred based on race or ethnicity.

Nkonyeni insists she was not referring to Singh, but declined to say to whom she was referring.

Speaker Bongani Mdletshe is expected to arrange a date for a disciplinary hearing.

He has declined to comment. - African Eye News Service

- African Eye