5 February 2009
Parliament has noted with regret the Democratic Alliance-led City of Cape
Townâs statement that the portfolio committee on Department of Water Affairs
and Forestry meeting on Wednesday was used for electioneering by members of the
majority party.
Parliament wishes to clearly state that this was not the case. This meeting
was part of Parliamentâs oversight exercise as reflected in the Constitution of
the Republic of South Africa. Section 55 (2b) (ii) of the constitution states
that the National Assembly has the power to maintain oversight over any organ
of state.
In the meeting that discussed water cut offs in some parts of the City of
Cape Town and the cholera outbreak in the country, presentations were made by
community leaders on the impact of the water cut offs in the City of Cape Town.
The city was also afforded an opportunity to present its side of the story.
In line with the committeeâs mandate to build an oversight process that
ensures a quality process of scrutinising and overseeing governmentâs action,
other municipalities have in the past been called to account before the
committee.
The invitation to the City of Cape Town to appear before the committee was
not peculiar. Hard questioning and interrogative engagement is the hallmark in
the practice of oversight in respect of all organs of state which appear before
Parliamentary Committees.
Parliament is an independent institution that is responsive to the needs of
all the people of South Africa. Thus it is the institutionâs role to provide
platform for different views on key issues. This exercise ensures a people
centred democratic process.
For media queries please contact:
Mr Andile Mantanga
Head of Committee Communication Support
Parliamentary Communication Services
Tel: 021 403 8095
Cell: 073 864 6901
E-mail: amantanga@parliament.gov.za
Issued by Parliament of South Africa
5 February 2009
Source: Parliament of South Africa (http://www.parliament.gov.za)
