RULES COMMITTEE BENCH-MARKING VISIT TO STRENGTHEN OVERSIGHT and ACCOUNTABILITY

During their first day of the benchmarking engagement program in the UK Parliament, the members of the National Assembly Rules Committee held several meetings with the heads of oversight committees and officials in the House of Commons. These discussions included engaging with the Procedural Committee, which serves as the equivalent of our Rules Committee, and the Liaison Committee, responsible for overseeing the Prime Minister.

The meeting with Ms Karen Bradley, Chairperson of the Procedural Committee, provided a valuable opportunity to discuss and share experiences on the committee’s operations, structure, and processes. Additionally, the delegation had a productive discussion with Sir Bernard Jenkin, the Chairperson of the Liaison Committee, where they explored the committee’s composition, role, and functions.

These series of engagements with representatives from the structures of the UK Parliament are of utmost importance in enhancing our understanding of international best practices and gaining valuable insights. They will greatly inform our ongoing consideration of establishing an oversight mechanism for the presidency, as recommended by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption, and Fraud in the Public Sector, including Organs of State.

Particular emphasis was placed on the Liaison Committee of the UK Parliament, which began its oversight of the Prime Minister’s actions in 2002, during the tenure of Mr Tony Blair. The Liaison Committee carries out various crucial functions, such as considering general matters relating to the work of select committees, reporting select committee reports to the House for debate, and hearing evidence from the Prime Minister on matters of public policy. It is composed of chairpersons from 35 select committees, and during each session, only 12 to 14 chairpersons are permitted to question the Prime Minister. It is important to note that the Liaison Committee focuses on the strategic policy and political issues relating to the Prime Minister and does not oversee the office’s budget. Oversight over the budget of the Prime Minister resides with a select committee.

The members of the South African delegation expressed their appreciation for the insights gained during these sessions, acknowledging their significance for the ongoing fact-finding exercise regarding the desirability of an oversight mechanism for the presidency. Mr Cedric Frolick, the leader of the delegation and House Chairperson for Committees, Oversight, and ICT, highlighted the value of the presentations and engagements on the Liaison Committee, emphasizing that it is now our responsibility as Parliament to examine our existing oversight systems and determine how to strengthen and close any gaps, ensuring enhanced executive oversight. (click for Mr Frolick’s soundbite: https://iono.fm/e/1333227)

Mr Hope Papo, a delegation member and Parliamentary Counsellor to the Leader of Government Business, Deputy President Mr Paul Mashatile, emphasized that the comprehensive information gathered from the House of Commons will now be carefully discussed, analysed, and considered in order to improve Parliament’s oversight systems. (click for Mr Papo’s soundbite: https://iono.fm/e/1333214)

Dr Annelie Lotriet, another delegation member and Deputy Chief Whip for the Democratic Alliance, found the engagements to be immensely valuable and insightful, particularly in observing the constructive oversight approach within the Liaison Committee, which prioritizes delivering on commitments to the people rather than political showboating. (click for Dr Lotriet’s soundbite: https://iono.fm/e/1333213)

Dr Corné Mulder, Freedom Front Chief Whip concurred, saying it was important that in its role, functions and structure, the envisaged oversight mechanism on the presidency must put the interests of the public ahead of political grandstanding to ensure it makes the necessary impact. He stressed the information gleaned will enable Parliament to take this forward. (Click for Dr Mulder’s soundbite: https://iono.fm/e/1333267)

Mr Narend Singh, Chief Whip of the Inkatha Freedom Party and delegation member, acknowledged the need for a committee on the presidency but emphasized the importance of developing a unique, home-grown oversight mechanism for South Africa that draws lessons from the current British system. (click for Mr Singh’s soundbite: https://iono.fm/e/1333221)

The program for the South African delegation continues today, with scheduled discussions involving representatives from the Climate Change Commission, Institute of Government, and a meeting with Sir Malcolm Jack, former Clerk of the House of Commons.

The National Assembly Rules Committee delegation is led by House Chairperson for Committees, Oversight and ICT, Mr Cedric Frolick and includes Mr Qubudile Dyantyi, Mr Hope Papo (both from the African National Congress), Dr Annelie Lotriet (from the Democratic Alliance), Mr Narend Singh (from the Inkatha Freedom Party), and Dr Cornelius Mulder (from the Freedom Front Plus).

Source: Parliament of South Africa