Beijing’s New Red Line: Why Parliamentary Travel to Taiwan is Under Fire In a move that has sent shockwaves through Wellington and Canberra, Beijing has imposed an unprecedented travel ban on four New Zealand MPs following their recent visit to Taiwan. This isn’t just a localized diplomatic spat; it signals a significant tightening of China’s … Read more
The New Frontier of Parliamentary Diplomacy: Navigating Geopolitical Sanctions When Act MP Laura McClure found herself on the receiving end of a travel ban from Beijing following a trip to Taiwan, she didn’t mince words. Describing the move as a form of “foreign interference,” McClure signaled a shift in how backbench politicians are navigating the … Read more
National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza has declined a request from African Transformation Movement (ATM) leader Vuyo Zungula to table a motion of no confidence against President Cyril Ramaphosa. The request, which stemmed from the ongoing Phala Phala scandal, was rejected following similar efforts by the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party to invoke Section 102 of the … Read more
Tensions peaked in Parliament on Thursday as President Cyril Ramaphosa faced a session of oral questions. The proceedings were marked by a dramatic walkout by members of the EFF and the MKP. The volatility stemmed from a desire by some members to address a Constitutional Court ruling regarding the Phala Phala farm theft matter. Speaker … Read more
Parliamentarians expressed outrage on Wednesday after two Presidential Protection Services (PPS) officers were cleared by internal South African Police Service (SAPS) disciplinary proceedings. This outcome occurred despite the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) making adverse findings against the officials. The controversy centers on PPS head Major-General Wally Rhoode and Constable HH Rekhoto. Members of Parliament … Read more