As the wheels of the seventh Parliament start to steadily move forward and oversight operations get into gear, the National Assembly (NA) today begins a two-day induction programme for elected committee chairpersons in Sandton, Gauteng.
The induction programme will include an in-depth exploration of law-making processes, oversight, and public participation in committees and the NA. These elements are fundamental to the democratic process, as they ensure that laws are crafted with thorough scrutiny and that the public has a voice in legislative affairs. Chairpersons will be equipped with knowledge and tools to facilitate robust legislative processes, enhance oversight functions, and foster meaningful public engagement.
Chairpersons play a critical role in ensuring the effective and efficient functioning of committees, which are considered the engine rooms of the work of Parliament. Chairpersons play this role by chairing and determining the agenda of meetings and organising the administrative affairs of a committee. They are also responsible for ensuring that committee decisions are compiled into a report and tabled in the appropriate Houses of Parliament.
Early in July, the NA Rules Committee established 30 portfolio committees and five other committees, including standing committees. The portfolio committees are configured to shadow the government departments of the seventh administration, which were announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 30 June 2024.
The NA’s 30 committees in the seventh Parliament top the sixth Parliament’s 27 committees. The increase follows the separation of the Department of Agriculture from Rural Development and Land Reform, the separation of Science and Technology from Higher Education, Correctional Services from Justice, and the establishment of the Department of Electricity and Energy.
The Speaker of the NA, Ms Thokozile Didiza, is expected to open the induction programme and outline the NA’s aims and strategic forecast in the seventh Parliament. Following that, Mr Cedric Frolick, the House Chairperson responsible for committees, oversight and public participation, will outline the objectives of the induction for committee chairpersons.
The Secretary to Parliament, Mr Xolile George, will also outline the strategic orientation of committees under the umbrella of the draft macro strategic framework of the seventh Parliament, which will be crucial in guiding the committees' work towards achieving Parliament’s overarching goals.
The induction programme follows a similar programme for all Members of Parliament and this specific session for chairpersons is critical to empower new chairpersons with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead their committees effectively. The topics covered will provide a clearer understanding of the strategic framework, legislative processes, legacy issues, and the importance of collaboration with key institutions. Through this induction, Parliament aims to strengthen the committee’s role in advancing democracy, transparency, and good governance.
Malatswa Molepo
7 August 2024
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