The President appoints the Leader of Government Business, in terms of section 91(4) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. The Leader of Government Business is responsible for:

  1. The affairs of the national executive in Parliament
  2. The programming of parliamentary business initiated by the national executive, within the time allocated for that purpose
  3. Ensuring that cabinet members attend to their parliamentary responsibilities
  4. Performing any other function provided for by the Joint Rules or a resolution of the National Assembly or the National Council of Provinces or resolutions adopted in both Houses.

In line with these duties, the Leader of Government Business has undertaken the following tasks:

MONITORING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LEGISLATIVE PROGRAMME

Following the State of the Nation Address by the President where the government’s priorities were outlined, the Leader of Government Business undertakes the task of prioritising the bills in line with these identified priorities. This process assists the Executive to monitor the progress of implementation as well as assists Parliament in finalising the annual programme and scheduling the work of Committees accordingly.

INTRODUCING MEASURES TO MONITOR AND IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LEGISLATION

As part of the Leader of Government Business’s duties, Departments are requested to advise on the proposed legislative programme for the year, with the aim of improving the planning capacity of Departments as well as allowing the Leader of Government Business effectively to monitor the implementation of the Government’s programme