Cape Town - In a new twist to the row between Speaker Frene Ginwala and UDM leader Bantu Holomisa, Parliament's secretary, Sindiso Mfenyana, has publicly repudiated a statement issued by the institution's media manager, Luphumzo Kebeni.

"The statement issued earlier today by Mr Luphumzo Kebeni, in regard to the Speaker's statement made in the House yesterday, is incorrect.

"Although Mr Kebeni is parliamentary media liaison manager, the statement was presumably expressing his personal opinion," Mfenyana said in a statement on Wednesday night.

In his reaction, Kebeni told Sapa: "Indeed, I made the statement in my personal capacity, based on my discussions with the Speaker on the implications the Holomisa letter might have on her role as presiding officer".

Earlier, Kebeni said Ginwala would resign if allegations levelled at her by Holomisa proved to be true.

"However, if the opposite turns out to be the fact, then the House shall have to decide what to do with Mr Holomisa, as he would have attacked the integrity and credibility of Parliament," he said.

Up to Holomisa to prove allegations

It was now up to Holomisa to prove to Parliament the allegations he levelled at her.

Holomisa, in an open letter earlier this week, claimed Ginwala's conduct in relation to Parliament and the arms deal investigation involved dereliction of duty, intentionally obstructing the parliamentary processes, stalling the report by Parliament's standing committee on public accounts (Scopa), and improper interference in the committee's function.

He also alleged improper interference in constitutional structures such as the National Directorate of Public Prosecutions, the Public Protector and the office of the Auditor General - the three agencies probing the arms deal.

Kebeni said now that Ginwala had reported the matter to the House, it was Parliament's responsibility to take the necessary steps to deal with the matter.

An inquiry could be one of the options.

He said Ginwala had not "made any indication" whether she intended to sue for defamation, "though there are very strong and favourable legal grounds to do that".

Holomisa wants documents from Ginwala

In another letter to Ginwala on Wednesday, Holomisa requested "documentation which will enable me to prepare my defence in the event of any litigation".

"You have already indicated that my letter amounts to defamation... It is clear in my mind that you have understood the gravity of the matters raised, but you have imputed to it a character which has certain legal consequences for which I have to brace myself."

Holomisa asked for all documents Ginwala had produced "in your handling of the entire arms debacle".

This included minutes of any meeting she had with Scopa, the executive and the investigating agencies, and copies of media statements, legal opinions and incidental material.

"I would also appreciate it if you would provide me with a guide or manual, which shows the manner in which the legislature, the executive and judiciary interact as independent components of our democratic system.

"This should explain how parliamentary resolutions are transmitted to the executive, and the latter's modus operandi in dealing with them."

Meanwhile, neither Wednesday's whips' forum meeting, nor the ANC's daily strategic meeting, appeared to have discussed Ginwala's request to the National Assembly that MPs examine Holomisa's allegations.

It is understood that the matter will be discussed at the ANC's weekly caucus meeting in Parliament on Thursday.

With acknowledgment to Sapa and News24.