Parliament has improved in holding executive to account: Mothapo

Parliament’s Spokesperson Moloto Mothapo says the institution has improved on its goals of holding the executive to account, making laws and increasing public participation.

The legislature has wound down for the festive season.

He says 40 public hearings were held all over the country and two crucial investigations kicked off.

Mothapo says this is proof that Parliament is fulfilling its role of oversight of the executive.

“One is being conducted through the Ad Hoc Committee that is probing the allegations made by (KwaZulu-Natal National Commissioner Lieutenant) General  (Nhlanhla) Mkhwanazi, and there is another one through Scopa (Standing Committee on Public Accounts) in terms of the issues of governance at the Road Accident Fund (RAF). So this is a very important mechanism being pursued by Parliament,” Mothapo adds.

Political analyst Dr. Breakfast Ntsikilelo says, “The work of the legislature is done via committees. The committees of Parliament have the power to summon anyone to come and present a particular side of the story, so that accountability can be rendered for members of Parliament to understand a particular issue, or to have their questions being answered.”