The Speakers Forum of the Republic of South Africa has resolved to strengthen the legislative arm of the state with special emphasis on cooperative governance within legislatures.
This was among resolutions taken during the Forum’s first meeting in Durban since the establishment of the fifth democratic Parliament.
The Forum resolved that oversight mechanisms of the legislatures should be strengthened to enable them to scrutinise government programmes and budgets. This will be done with the view to ensuring the achievement of the National Development Plan (NDP) goals.
With the constitutional obligation to involve the public in the legislative process it was emphasised that public participation mechanisms should be reinforced. The Forum agreed to continue promoting legislative work and educating the public on the Constitution, active citizenship and the rule of law.
A legislative review of all national and provincial legislation will be conducted in order to monitor and evaluate the impact of legislation.
The Forum congratulated the legislatures for the effective capacity building initiatives undertaken during the fourth Parliament. It also noted and appreciated the recent passing of the Financial Management of Parliament and Legislatures Act Amendment Bill, which aims to strengthen sound financial management in the Legislative Sector.
In terms of international relations and engagement the Forum resolved to strengthen and develop a coordinated legislative approach that should encourage greater sharing of knowledge, benchmarking and oversight experiences.
Furthermore, the Forum resolved to investigate the matter of transforming colonially based legislative practices like rituals within ceremonies and other protocols based on Western practices in order for South Africa’s Legislatures to lead the transformation of the Commonwealth.
The Speakers Forum is made up of the Speaker of the National Assembly (NA), the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) and their deputies, Speakers of Provincial Legislatures and their deputies.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Forum Chairperson, please contact:
Michael Ralo, Manager: Communications
Legislative Sector Support
Tel: 021 403 8860
Cell: 076 081 4769
E-mail: mralo@parliament.gov.za
