MPs absenteeism worries as parley collapses again

For the second time in recent weeks, the House was unable to conduct business due to an insufficient number of Members of Parliament (MPs) in the chamber. Deputy Speaker Helen Manyeneng announced the suspension shortly after proceedings began. “According to Standing Orders 17.1 and 17.2, Parliament did not form a quorum, so we will be suspending this morning’s proceedings until 2pm,” she ruled.

Manyeneng was firm, dismissing any attempt to debate the matter further. “There is no need for a back and forth. I have already declared the Standing Order,” she said.

The morning sitting had been scheduled to consider the Second Reading of Bill No. The Bill seeks to amend legislation authorising withdrawals from the Consolidated Fund and the Development Fund for the financial year ending March 31, 2027. The proposed law is critical, as it provides the legal framework for government expenditure in the upcoming financial year.

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However, the anticipated debate could not proceed after the House failed to meet the required threshold. The development drew sharp criticism from some legislators, who questioned their colleagues’ commitment. Chief Whip Sam Digwa expressed frustration over what he described as a growing culture of absenteeism.

“I want to ask, if things are like this where we attend Parliament and people do not turn up, this is not right. We were voted to come to Parliament, but people don’t come,” Digwa said. The repeated collapse of proceedings not only delays legislative business but also raises concerns about accountability and discipline within the National Assembly.

With key financial legislation on the agenda which is frequently underscored as a priority by President Duma Boko, the absence of MPs has reignited debate over whether stricter enforcement of attendance rules is needed. Yet, as we assess the current state of discipline in many schools, we must confront an uncomfortable reality: student delinquency appears to be spiralling beyond control. Reports of bullying, classroom disruption, open defiance of teachers, and even violence amongst students are increasingly common. Teachers, once regarded as authoritative figures capable of maintaining order, now often find themselves struggling to manage classrooms effectively….

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