Windhoek:The National Assembly's Powers and Privileges Committee has advised that Member of Parliament (MP) Vetaruhe Kandorozu should issue a full and unconditional apology or retraction to the National Assembly. This recommendation follows Kandorozu's breach of Rule 97 of the Standing Rules during a parliamentary session.
According to NAMPA, the breach occurred on 04 March 2026, during a debate on the Appropriation Bill. Kandorozu reportedly told Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, Dino Ballotti, to 'go back to Italy' and suggested that Namibians do not resemble him, which resulted in a heated exchange. The remarks were deemed unparliamentary by Deputy Speaker Phillipus Katamelo, leading to an early adjournment of the session.
The committee's report, released on Wednesday, confirmed that Kandorozu admitted to violating Rule 97, which addresses parliamentary conduct. The committee has since recommended that the National Assembly formally categorize his remarks as unparliamentary and direct Kandorozu to apologize or retract them in accordance with Rule 100, which requires MPs to acknowledge the use of offensive language.
Further, the report highlighted that MPs must adhere to the rules of the House, and those using disorderly language may be asked to withdraw their comments or apologize. If a member makes an offensive remark, the Speaker or presiding officer can demand a withdrawal, with non-compliance potentially leading to further disciplinary measures.
During the inquiry, Kandorozu requested that all members under similar investigations be provided with the complete Hansard transcript, noting that the excerpt he received was incomplete. The committee also suggested that the House exercise its powers under Standing Rule 112(2)(c) to address serious disorder in the Assembly.
To improve future misconduct investigations, the committee concluded that the Secretariat should actively gather relevant evidence, including Hansard transcripts and video recordings, for official investigation files.
Source NAMPA