Members of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) had mixed opinions about the council's work over the past five years. They delivered farewell speeches at the last plenary session of the NCOP, the 6th Congress.
Some believe that significant progress has been made in the House's mandate and oversight responsibilities during this term. However, some believe that the role of the NCOP needs to be reconsidered to strengthen its operational capabilities.
The members seemed overcome with emotion as they bid farewell after five years of service.
NCOP Chairman Amos Masondo begins by highlighting some of the achievements of the organization. This includes the majority of legislation adopted since 2019. He attributes this to the work ethic of his members over the past five years.
“We aimed to contribute to the development of the policy priorities of the 6th Congress, at the heart of which was strengthening oversight and accountability, which would, among other things, improve the effectiveness of public participation. Since then, we have made every effort to contribute to the progress and strengthening of democracy. We have done this by ensuring that the NCOP carries out its mandate in accordance with the instructions of the Constitution. and by ensuring that the innovative methods necessary to advance our mission are adopted.”
Review of roles
African National Congress Chief Whip of NCOP Seiso Mohai said the council had a good track record but called for a review of its role.
“Mr. Chairman, the second important question concerns the continued decline in the capacity of local governments to perform their development functions and the corresponding nominal increase in the number of government interventions in local administration. Blame the NCOP for this. However, serious questions have been raised about the role of the NCOP in monitoring national and state government support to local governments within the overall strategic mission of deepening cooperative governance systems. It is my humble opinion that the resolution of the 54th ANC Congress to reconsider and reposition itself at the forefront of intergovernmental intervention was no coincidence.
failure
Democratic Alliance representative Catherine Labuschagne said part of the NCOP's failures this term had to do with the implementation of the Zondo commission's recommendations.
“The 6th Parliament also received the Zondo Commission Report as a recommendation on state capture. It is necessary to highlight one aspect mentioned in this report which is also reflected in the NCOP. Failure to fulfill constitutional responsibilities and obligations in terms of accountability is the result of business as usual.The most important criteria for testing the optimal functioning of the NCOP are, first and foremost, Article 424. It is the constitutional duty of the NCOP to represent the regions in a way that ensures that their interests are taken into account in the areas of national governance.
People's Assembly
Mmabaso Mokause, a member of the Economic Freedom Fighters, criticized the NCOP for failing to carry out its mandate on a number of issues.
“Speaker of the House, this Congress, this Council, has failed to build an effective People’s Assembly accountable to the needs of the people. Under the watch of this Congress, Black people have suffered poverty, unemployment, and high levels of crime. “Gender-based violence remains a pervasive challenge, with women and children being abused, assaulted, and killed.''
'A new beginning'
Inkatha Freedom Party MP Nhlanhla Radebe adds his opinion on some of the issues that the NCOP failed to achieve.
“As we close the 6th Parliament, I cannot help but feel a mixture of disappointment and hope. Looking back over the past five years, the current ruling party has been embroiled in corruption allegations and political abuse of government resources. We see that everything that happened during the 5th Congress continues at the expense of the people it was originally intended to serve.However, on May 29, 2024, a long-awaited new regime change will begin. So we are hopeful that our country is on the path to new beginnings.”
Plenary Session of the National Assembly (Hybrid), May 16, 2024 https://t.co/MtwQmgUigr
— RSA Parliament (@ParliamentofRSA) May 16, 2024
