With all eyes on Pretoria ahead of the presidential inauguration at the Union Buildings on Wednesday, the executive arm of Parliament is hard at work preparing to convene the seventh parliamentary term.
With the majority of lawmakers being new, administrators want to ensure a smooth transition for everyone.
For new MPs, it will be a bit like a new school year. And just as freshmen start the new school year wearing new uniforms, MPs will be provided by Parliament with the tools of the trade to help them carry out their duties as lawmakers.
This includes stationery, ICT allowances for devices such as phones, tablets and laptops, equipment and furniture for staff. Members of Parliament will also be updated on the running of Parliament, Parliamentary Standing Orders and the administrative team.
“We have lined up a four-day introductory programme from July 2 to July 5 to orient MPs on all matters pertaining to the working of Parliament, Parliamentary Rules, the Constitution and MPs’ orientation, basically to enable MPs to understand the core operations of Parliament, the roles and responsibilities of MPs, officers, overview of MPs’ ethics and disclosures, Parliamentary Rules and all the matters that form part of the instruments to enable MPs to carry out the business of Parliament,” said Parliamentary Secretary, Zolile George.
Congress will also help prepare lawmakers and assist with travel and lodging for the inauguration.
“This is to allow them to witness the historic event of the swearing-in of the seventh President of the Republic, thereby ushering in the possibility of forming a government that will run the country for the next five years,” George explained.
The final list of perks for MPs included around 88 one-way economy class air tickets, limited travel for dependents, airport parking, accommodation in Parliament Villages and transport costs from these villages to Parliament House.
