Today, 16 October 2012, the North West Provincial Legislature together with South African Legislative Sector (SALS) held a public hearing for the Public Participation Framework at the Legislature Chamber.
The purpose of the public hearing was to develop a Public Participation Framework which intends to assist Parliament to facilitate effective public involvement in the Legislative processes as prescribed by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act of 1996.
About 500 people from all four districts of the province attended the public hearing including stakeholders ranging from traditional leaders, academics, religious organisations, chapter 9 institutions, political parties, organised labour and the community at large.
In their inputs, most people complained about the number of people that are transported to the public hearings is not enough. Itumeleng Modimo from Matlosana said the system used for mobilising people does not work.
“The current system of mobilising through the municipality is not enough as you are going to get people that will not make meaningful input.
“You need to take these committee meetings at local level. We know that resources are not readily available but Legislatures should try and conduct meetings at local level. The greater the number of people consulted, the greater the number of people knowing about what is happening,” said Mr Modimo.
Mr Modimo also said oversight over the municipalities needs to be stepped up. “We only the Legislature when there are service delivery protests or when the auditor-general’s report comes out, we should see them before so as to avoid these problems,” he said.
Mokgaila Setswe from Ditsobotla local municipality said participants need to be briefed before they are taken to the public hearings.
“We are sometimes taken to a public hearing without any knowledge of what will be discussed there.
“I want to request for pre-briefing meetings before these hearings can take place, so as to ensure that we are prepared to fully participate as well,” said Mr Setswe.
Hon. Rebecca Kasienyane, who was chairing the public hearing said “public participation is very important in our democracy and that Members of Parliament including provincial Legislatures must always interact with the public.
As a recommendation, pre-public workshops will be done vigorously before any Legislature event. By-laws in municipalities we also be looked into so they can benefit the communities they serve. This public participation framework will accommodate all inputs made by the public.
Enquiries:
Namhla Luhabe
Cell: 079 527 0628
E-mail: namhla@nwpl.org.za
North West communities contributing to a Public Participation Framework
Province
