The ad-hoc Committee dealing with the Public Protector’s report on allegations of maladministration and corruption in the procurement of head office premises for the Electoral Commission holds its first meeting today.
The meeting will appoint a Chairperson and the Committee will immediately work on a programme of work.
The names of Members, drawn proportionally from political parties in the National Assembly (NA), who will serve on the Committee, were published in the Parliamentary papers yesterday. They are:
- African National Congress - Manamela, Mr B, De Lange, Adv J, Moloi-Moropa, Ms J, Dunjwa, Ms L, Landers, Mr L, Maunye, Ms M, Gaum, Adv A
- Democratic Alliance - Selfe, Mr J, Lotriet, Dr A
- Congress of the People - Botha, Mr T
- Inkatha Freedom Party - Van der Merwe, Mr JH
- United Democratic Movement - Ntapane, Mr S
According to the resolution tabled last Wednesday in the NA, the ad-hoc Committee will consider and report on the recommendations contained in Public Protector’s report in so far as they relate to the mandate of the NA and will also consider the request of the Public Protector that the report be referred to the Electoral Court.
In carrying out its work, the proposed ad-hoc Committee will also exercise those powers in Rule 138 that may assist it in carrying out its functions and take the steps it deems necessary to fulfil its mandate. This rule relates to the powers of a Parliamentary Committee, among which are to summon any person to appear before it to give evidence on oath, to receive representations, petitions or submissions and to permit oral evidence on these.
The ad-hoc Committee has until 31 October to submit a report with its findings and recommendations to the NA.
Parliament regards the report in a very serious light and wishes to see its consideration, together with a proposed course of action, concluded as soon as possible. This is the main reason an ad-hoc has been established.
The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs, which usually exercises oversight over the Electoral Commission and considers matters related to it, already has a full programme of draft legislation and other matters before it. An ad-hoc Committee would be able to prioritise the report because that is the only matter before it.
