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Parliament is considering ways to improve its oversight role, ahead of the general elections that will allow independent candidates to become MPs. The institution says effective oversight is the cornerstone of improving the quality of life of citizens.
The national and provincial legislatures had a two-day conference where effective oversight came under the spotlight, under the theme: Striving for oversight that ensures a better life for all South Africans.
The three arms of the South African government, as well as institutions supporting democracy, were some of the stakeholders that met to discuss the crucial role of oversight. Parliament says it’s important for the judiciary to take part.
“They too play a major role in oversight work and at times are called upon to arbitrate when various disputes occur in the process of us conducting oversight,” says National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula.
Corruption, abuse of state power and maladministration were signaled as some of the critical deficiencies that erode public trust and hamper the delivery of services.
“The fundamental test of democracy lies in Parliament’s ability to maintain executive accountability through continuous oversight. The litmus test of an active citizenry in a democracy is the extent to which Parliament can hold the government accountable,” says Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
Both Parliament and the provincial legislatures have been advised to use the summit as a learning curve to improve their work.
“By holding this summit, you have given yourselves an opportunity and a forum where you can be brutally honest about the challenges you have gone through and seek to find a solution so that in the fourth decade of our democracy that we are about to enter, you as a sector you will be able to be a better sector than before,” says Chief Justice Raymond Zondo.
MPs must also take into consideration the implementation of the remedial actions by institutions that support democracy.
“The implementation of the remedial action of the public protector is actually an oversight tool and not just PP but all constitutional institutions. We’ve already started to refer to the Speaker our remedial actions quarterly,” says PP Adv Kholeka Gcaleka.
With indications that there will be no outright majority winner in this year’s general elections, some have proposed the creation of laws aimed at coalition governments.
“As we contemplate the possibility of coalition government at higher levels, national and provincial spheres of government, the legislative sector looks at laws best coalition will serve our nation through legislative instruments that will serve parties and citizens,” says IEC Chairperson Mosotho Moepya.
Video: Parliament to improve its oversight
