For soundbites of the House Chairpesons of the National Council of Provinces, Mr Jomo Nyambi please click: https://iono.fm/e/1295130; and National Assessmbly, Mr Cedric Frolick please click: https://iono.fm/e/1295134
For video of both House Chairpersons please click:
HC for NCOP Committees – Mr Jomo Nyambi –: https://we.tl/t-CqB8JrrTHV
HC for NA Committees – Mr Cedrick Frolick –: https://we.tl/t-W69ft3aHAo
Parliament, Wednesday, 29 March 2023 - The National Council of Provinces (NCOP) House Chairperson for committees, Mr Jomo Nyambi has expressed satisfaction with the long overdue joint NCOP and National Assembly (NA) parliamentary committees workshop that was held in Johannesburg from 27-28 March 2023.
In his closing remarks, Mr Jomo Nyambi hailed the planning session as a resounding success and thanked both the NCOP Chairperson, Mr Amos Masondo and NA Speaker, Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula for setting the tone and direction of the workshop. He said the presence of both Presiding Officers for the whole duration of the first day of the workshop was highly appreciated as they managed to answer critical questions raised by committee chairpersons.
Mr Nyambi further appreciated the presence of the senior management of Parliament, including the Secretary to Parliament, Mr Xolile George, who addressed the chairpersons for the first time since his appointment and presented an update on the reviewed strategic plan of Parliament and the reconstruction plans. Mr George was accompanied by the Secretaries of both houses, relevant division managers and unit managers of the committee section who will play a crucial role in the formulation of the legacy reports of the 6th Parliament.
“The presence of all the senior management of parliament demonstrates commitment to deal with the issues that need immediate attention, making it easier for the members of Parliament that will join in 7th Parliament,” he said.
He further confirmed that it will not be business as usual in the manner in which the select and portfolio committees will conduct oversight, interact with people and do constituency work as the approach will drastically change. He said the triple challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality are glaring and therefore meaningful change has to be felt by ordinary citizens.
Also giving concluding remarks, the NA House Chairperson for committees, Mr Cedric Frolick was optimistic that committees of Parliament are geared to finish the 6th Parliament strongly as a firm foundation has been laid to finalize and conclude the work of the 6th administration.
He said it was heartening to see the depth of understanding of the issues that need to be addressed by the Secretary to Parliament to ensure that institution functions more effectively, these include the filing of outstanding vacancies and the pronouncement of the structure of Parliament. He added that once the issues of vacancies and structure are addressed, they will lay a firm foundation on how the institution should operate.
Furthermore, he said the chairpersons were provided with the necessary guidance to identify legislation they need to prioritise and focus on, so as to bring meaningful change and improvement in the living conditions of ordinary South Africans.
Mr Frolick concluded by saying that the chairpersons of committees were also equipped with strategies to focus on the public participation processes that are aimed at assisting Parliament to make better and informed decision in respect of conducting oversight over the executive and holding it accountable in implementing legislation and policies developed.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Enquiries: Moloto Mothapo
Arrange a tour