The Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature (ECPL) sent its MPL’s and Chairpersons of Portfolio Committees to an Emotional Intelligence Workshop, an effort to augment their abilities in carrying out the institutions constitutional mandate. Exercising the oversight role over provincial organs of state on the implementation of government programmes requires a high level of expertise.
A need for the workshop was identified by Members themselves to ensure they effectively scrutinise in detail all kinds of reports from departments. The workshop as facilitated by the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University’s (NMMU) School of Business put excessive emphasis on mental readiness to deal with stressful situations.
The two-day course held at the Mpekweni Beach Resort in Port Alfred on the 26 and 27, January, outlined issues relating to converting destructive emotional reactions into constructive responses that build relationships and teamwork.
It created awareness and provided tools for breaking old patterns and learning new behaviours. The content of the course was beneficial to the MPL’s as all Members felt highly emotionally intelligent after the training and ready to respond to their demanding duties.
MPL’s interactive discussions suggested that emotional reactions can sabotage teamwork and oversight. It became apparent that the pressure of work, deadlines and interpersonal conflict can cause Members to react negatively when dealing with departments’ oversight.
The primary components of the emotional intelligence workshop include self-awareness, self-management, identifying and managing the emotions of others, the chemistry of strong, powerful emotions, communication and evaluation. These ingredients will build a solid framework for Members to fully exercise their authority without limitations and elevate the performance of the province.
Members were tasked to submit a Portfolio of Evidence to reflect on the effectiveness of the workshop and what change has it brought to them. The ECPL is optimistic that the workshop will bring about a remarkable impact on Members and Chairpersons of Committees oversight role.
Enquiries:
Velisile Bukula
Cell: 083 989 4518
