Dear Mkululeko,

Having viewed the recording of your joint committee's proceedings during which Ms. Mavuso spoke ill of the ANC, I am deeply disappointed in your conduct. I think I remember your face from varsity - still not sure whether it was Rhodes or UKZN but I have been aware of your political career for some time (congrats by the way).

Being in your position means that the decisions you make and the conduct you exhibit set a precedence in governance and culture. Yes, you did not appreciate her remarks but asking her to excuse herself from the proceedings because of them is censorship. You could have simply noted her remark, noted your distaste for it and moved on.

But the behavior you showed was that of bullying. You can not throw someone out of a meeting simply because they said something that pisses you off; parliamentary meetings are of such a nature that freedom of expression be of utmost importance. Yes, your committee has a responsibility as to the process of these proceedings but beware that you avoid using that responsibility thus power to push your weight around.

Kind regards.