Speaker Baleka Mbete replies to Democratic Alliance request to establish AD Hoc Committee on Eskom

National Assembly speaker replies to request from Democratic Alliance for establishment of AD Hoc Committee on Eskom

National Assembly Speaker Ms Baleka Mbete today replied to a written request from the Chief Whip of the Democratic Alliance Mr John Steenhuisen for the National Assembly to reconvene to establish an ad hoc committee on Eskom, to inquire into circumstances surrounding the prevailing energy crisis.

In her letter to Mr Steenhuisen, Ms Mbete said she agreed the prevailing energy crisis was a very serious matter for the nation.

However, existing portfolio committees were empowered to deal with the issues at Eskom. These included the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises, which conducted an extensive inquiry on Eskom in 2018.

The relevant committees could, therefore, take up the matter if needed and there was no need for the National Assembly to be reconvened at this point. Even if an ad hoc committee was required, such would not require the House to reconvene. 

Although National Assembly had risen on 20 March 2019 and stands dissolved, it remained competent to function in terms of the Constitution. According to the Rules and procedures of the National Assembly, relevant committees, including ad hoc committees, could convene to discuss matters and potentially report if needed. This did not require the National Assembly to meet first.

Enquiries:
Moloto Mothapo 
Cell: 082 370 6930

More on

Share this page

Similar categories to explore