The National Assembly (NA) is today scheduled to consider a resolution to establish an ad-hoc committee to deal with the Public Protector’s report on the investigation into allegations of maladministration and corruption in the procurement of premises to accommodate the head office of the Electoral Commission.
According to the draft resolution published in today’s NA Order Paper, 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 also to 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 proposed ad-hoc ommittee 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 consideration of it, together with a proposed course of action, concluded as soon as possible. This is why 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, has already got 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.
As is the case with other committees of the NA, the proposed 12 member ad-hoc committee will comprise proportional representation from political parties represented in the House. Parties are expected to provide the names of their Members who will serve on the ad-hoc committee to NA Speaker, Mr Max Sisulu, once the resolution is adopted.
