Parliament's Spokesperson Moloto Mothapo says the institution has improved in its goals of holding the executive to account, making laws and increasing public participation. The legislature has wound down for the festive season. He highlights 40 public hearings held across the country and two crucial investigations that have kicked off.
Moloto Mothapo, Parliament's spokesperson, recently highlighted the institution's progress as it wound down for the festive season. He stated that Parliament has improved in its core functions, including oversight of the executive, law-making, and public participation.
Among the achievements are 40 public hearings conducted across the country. Additionally, two important investigations have begun. One is handled by the Ad Hoc Committee, probing allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal National Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The other, by the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa), focuses on governance issues at the Road Accident Fund (RAF).
"One is being conducted through the Ad Hoc Committee that is probing the allegations made by (KwaZulu-Natal National Commissioner Lieutenant) General (Nhlanhla) Mkhwanazi, and there is another one through Scopa (Standing Committee on Public Accounts) in terms of the issues of governance at the Road Accident Fund (RAF). So this is a very important mechanism being pursued by Parliament," Mothapo said.
Political analyst Dr. Breakfast Ntsikilelo explains the role of committees: "The work of the legislature is done via committees. The committees of Parliament have the power to summon anyone to come and present a particular side of the story, so that accountability can be rendered for members of Parliament to understand a particular issue, or to have their questions being answered."
These initiatives demonstrate Parliament's commitment to transparency and accountability in South Africa's democratic system.
