taking Parliament to the people
25 October 2007
In its quest to fulfil its constitutional oversight obligation, ensuring
that provincial interest are taken into account in the national sphere, the
National Council of Provinces (NCOP) will host its 6th annual "Taking
Parliament to the People" programme. The five-day event, commencing on 29
October to 2 November 2007 in Pniel Cricket Stadium, Stellenbosch, is aimed at
promoting meaningful public participation by particularly those living in rural
areas.
Meaningful public participation in the affairs of Parliament is central to
good governance, and hearing people's voices and views at grassroots level is
democracy in action. It was for these reasons that the NCOP created this unique
platform and opportunity for ordinary people to engage with parliamentary
representatives without travelling to Cape Town. Western Cape is the last of
the nine provinces to be visited by the NCOP before finalising the first phase
of Taking Parliament to the People Programme in the country.
Since the launch of this programme in 2002, the NCOP has successfully
visited eight provinces and has seen active participation by ordinary people,
more especially the women and youth. The weeklong programme will address a wide
range of issues through site visits, public hearings, specialised meetings and
an address by President Thabo Mbeki, focusing on government performance since
the last State of the Nation Address.
Taking Parliament to the people and experiencing social challenges of
various communities first hand is at the centre of public participation and
effective oversight by members of Parliament. Furthermore, NCOP is the only
institution capable of bringing three spheres of Government, i.e. national,
provincial and local government, together under one roof to discuss policy
issues that affect the people.
During the sitting ordinary members of the public are accorded the
opportunity to engage their leaders including the Ministers, Members of
Provincial Legislatures (MPLs) and councillors regarding issues affecting
them.
Next week's event has been scheduled as follows:
Date: 29 October to 2 November 2007
Time: 9h00 to 17h00 (every day)
Venue: Pniel Cricket Club, Stellenbosch
Enquiries:
Thundy J Booi
Media Management Unit
Parliament of the Republic of South Africa
Tel: 021 403 3403
Cell: 074 114 1592
Fax: 021 403 3931
E-mail: tbooi@parliament.gov.za
Issued by: Parliament of Republic of South Africa
25 October 2007
