The Congress of Traditional leaders of South Africa (Contralesa) says what happened at the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) taints the image of the institution which is supposed to address challenges faced by African people.
On Monday, chaos erupted in the chamber in Midrand when members of the PAP argued over rotational leadership instead of direct elections.
The southern caucus is leading the call for rotation, while the east and west caucuses heavily oppose the idea.
Chaotic scenes at the Pan African Parliament:
Contralesa President, Kgoshi Lameck Mokoena, says it was embarrassing to see parliamentarians behaving like children, especially while the continent was celebrating Africa Month.
He has described the behaviour as un-African.
“Contralesa is so shocked and dismayed by what transpired at African Parliament there was a reason when African leaders decided to create the [Pan] African Parliament. We had high hopes that it will champion issues that affect African people,” he says.
Mokoena also condemned the violence that took place.
“Contralesa is so disappointed to see this Members of Parliament physically fighting, kicking each other like school children. We call upon all African leaders to please respect the deployment that they got from their people,” explains Mokoena.
Pan-African Parliament expected to elect new leadership on Tuesday:
