The NCOP consists of 54 permanent members and 36 special delegates, and aims to represent provincial interests in the national sphere of government. Delegations consist of 10 representatives from each province. The NCOP must have a mandate from the provinces before it can make certain decisions.
It cannot, however, initiate a Bill concerning money, which is the prerogative of the
Minister of Finance. The NCOP came into existence on 6 February 1997.
Relevant sections in the Constitution include:
- Composition
- Allocation of delegates
- Permanent delegates
- Sittings
- Chairperson & Deputy Chairperson
- Decisions
- Participation by members of national executive
- Participation of local government representatives
- Powers
- Evidence or information before National Council
- Internal arrangements, proceedings and procedures
- Privilege
- Public access to and involvement in National Council
Source: South Africa Yearbook 2011/12
Editor: D Burger. Government Communication and Information System
