Fadiel Adams and Ian Cameron face scrutiny over parliamentary conduct violations
The Ethics Committee has found that National Coloured Congress leader Fadiel Adams has committed a second offence in breach of the code relating to the use of social media platforms.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Newspapers
National Coloured Congress leader Fadiel Adams has found himself once again on the wrong side of the code of conduct for Members of Parliament.
This, after the Ethics Committee found that Adams has, for the second time, flouted the code after posting personal information of a DA staff member on Facebook without that person’s consent, after DA Chief Chip George Michalakis laid a complaint.
“The dissemination of personal information by the member was reckless and irresponsible,” said co-chairpersons Lusizo Sharon Makhubela and Joseph Britz.
Makhubela and Britz said Adams claimed to be unaware that he had captured sensitive information and apologised for the offence.
The co-chairpersons said the code for MPs required that social media usage must not bring Parliament into disrepute.
“The member was informed of the breach and was requested to provide written representations to the committee on the penalty to be imposed. The member did not provide any representations on the penalty.”
Makhubela and Britz said Adams committed a second offence on the breach of the code relating to the use of social media platforms.
They recommended that Adams be reprimanded and enter an apology to the official for placing personal information about a staff member on his social media post.
They also recommended that Adams be suspended from his seat in the parliamentary debates and committees for a period of 20 days, and his salary and allowances be reduced by an amount equal to 20 days.
Ian Cameron, DA MP and chairperson of the Police Portfolio Committee, is set to be reprimanded in the House and be cautioned to exercise greater care in future interviews and public statements.
Ian Cameron, DA MP and chairperson of the Police Portfolio Committee, is set to be reprimanded in the House and be cautioned to exercise greater care in future interviews and public statements.
Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers
This comes after Popcru's first deputy general secretary, Chakale Mahlatsi, complained about comments he made following the acquittal of eight members of the VIP Protection Unit attached to the Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
Mahlatsi complained that Cameron conducted a television interview wherein he characterised the verdict of the acquittal of the officers as shameful and immoral, and referred to them as rogue and as criminals.
“The complainant alleges that the member is abusing his position as the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police by usurping functions and roles that are not within his purview.
"The complainant states that the member should not be allowed to metamorphose the portfolio committee into a tribunal to run a public trial on this matter and pursue his political agenda.”
In his response, Cameron stated that he did not act in breach of the code, and his statement was based on widely circulated video evidence showing the eight officers engaging in an unlawful assault on unarmed civilians.
“The member states that his statements did not bring Parliament into disrepute but that it was consistent with the principles of openness, honesty, and leadership required.”
However, the Ethics Committee found that Cameron did not act on all occasions in accordance with the public trust placed in him and did not maintain public confidence and trust in the integrity of Parliament.
“The member used derogatory language in the interview and, therefore, in the performance of his duties and responsibilities, was not committed to the eradication of all forms of discrimination.
“Further, by referring to POPCRU as shielding the members of the protection unit without being privy to the matter or having received a briefing before the portfolio committee, the member brought Parliament into disrepute when using social media,” said Makhubela and Britz in reference to Cameron’s social media post on the matter.
Meanwhile, the Ethics Committee found that the complaints against ANC MP Windy Plaatjies and another against Cameron were unsubstantiated.
KwaZulu-Natal (KZN)-based researcher and crime activist Mary de Haas had complained that Cameron made unsubstantiated accusations about a whistle-blower, Patricia Mashale, during a television interview.
Plaatjies, along with other municipal staff, was accused by the Central Karoo District Municipality manager of defrauding the municipality when he was paid.