Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) MP John-Louw Mouton has given notice of a motion seeking to extend the National Assembly's sitting on Thursday, 11 September, until all items on the Order Paper are addressed.
The motion also proposes a review of internal procedures aimed at improving the efficiency and legislative performance of the House.
Since resuming on the 2nd of September, the National Assembly has not discussed any items listed on the Order Paper.
The sessions have been dominated by statements, ministerial responses, points of order and procedural interventions, with no progress made on scheduled business.
"We are not making progress with Parliament being as congested as it currently is. If we do not start decluttering the process, we will never be able to pass any legislation," said Mouton.
The IPC MP's notice of motion also calls on the Standing Committee on Rules and Orders to review Rule 14, which relates to the scheduling of parliamentary sittings.
He noted that some motions and questions date back to previous Parliaments, stressing the need to clear the legislative backlog.
"Besides extending the session on Thursday, I move that the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders discuss the following suggestions to improve the effectiveness of Parliament: To implore the Speaker to please start our sessions on time, we always start 10 to 15 minutes late. Furthermore, can the Honourable Speaker please strictly apply the timer to each member as provided in Rule 85? We have Members raising a point of privilege and then providing an hour-long lecture. This does not help the House to function productively. I suggest that we consider sitting on certain Fridays, like during the Appropriation Bill, until we can clear the backlog of motions and orders."
While parts of the motion were ruled out of order, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Saara Kuugongelwa, acknowledged the concerns and urged Members to bring properly structured motions and notices.
"How do you move that the Standing Rules must consider a certain matter? That's another issue, and that one I rule out of order. I agree with you when you say we must stick to the time allocated to the issues. That's part of the reason why we never get to the Order of the Day; we are always on routine. Occasionally, members perceive the presiding officer's attempts at regulation as an infringement on their rights. But the more Members raise this, the clearer it becomes that we all agree: we need to do better in how we use the time. The Presiding Officer is ready to enforce the rules, but that can only happen with the cooperation of everyone. When rulings are made and Members are booing or insisting on arguing, we are not going to make progress; we are wasting time."
The motion is expected to be formally tabled on Thursday.