Parliament to adopt new vision
Karen Pretorius
26 August 2004
Parliament is to adopt a new vision to guide its activities over the next five years.
The institution's presiding officers on Wednesday announced that the vision to create a 'People's Parliament' had been accepted in principle by all political parties.
This vision has been debated in the Joint Rules Committee.
"We want to build on this vision of a People's Parliament, where people can feel they are involved, they are engaging," National Assembly Speaker Baleka Mbete said.
The vision involves engaging the public to check on service delivery around the country.
Several projects such as a skills audit are underway to enable parliament to exercise its oversight role.
The audit will advise parliament on the skills base among staffers and to what extent they are able to assist Members of Parliament to perform their duties.
"Sometimes you have lots of staff but not enough skills," Mbete said.
The audit will
also identify problems, such as a lack of capacity in committees and research sections.
"We believe we have been doing well, but we can do better," Mbete said.
As part of the process, the National Council of Provinces will undertake an oversight visit to KwaZulu-Natal from 1-5 November, with a plenary on the last day.
The NCOP has already been to the Eastern Cape and North West in this regard.
"We are hopeful that President Thabo Mbeki will be able to attend," NCOP chairperson Joyce Kgoali said.
During the visit the NCOP members will hold discussions with the public and non-governmental organisations.
Source: BuaNews
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