By Thabo Mosia
The African National Congress (ANC) in Parliament has opposed a recent proposal from the Democratic Alliance (DA) to establish an oversight committee dedicated to the Presidency. This proposal, which received support from several opposition parties including the EFF, ActionSA, and the MK Party, has spurred an intense debate within the Parliament.
ANC Chief Whip Mdumiseni Ntuli has argued that current mechanisms already offer robust oversight, and the push for a new committee is merely a “political posturing” attempt by the DA to score points with the public. The ANC’s response underscores its stance that existing parliamentary structures are sufficient to hold the Presidency accountable.
The proposal for a dedicated oversight committee on the Presidency emerged as part of ongoing discussions about strengthening Parliament’s ability to oversee executive actions. The DA and other opposition parties argue that a separate committee is necessary to ensure complete accountability, especially as the Presidency’s responsibilities have expanded over the years. However, the ANC contends that all essential oversight measures are already in place and function effectively within the existing parliamentary framework.
ANC’s Argument for Existing Oversight Mechanisms
In a statement following the debate, Chief Whip Ntuli emphasized that the ANC is committed to transparency and holding the executive accountable through Parliament’s established structures. According to Ntuli, the President, Deputy President, and other members of the executive regularly appear before Parliament to answer questions and engage in annual debates, including the Budget Vote for the Presidency.
“The President of the Republic shall appear before the National Assembly at least four times per year and twice per year before the National Council of Provinces,” Ntuli stated. He argued that these scheduled appearances, coupled with written responses to parliamentary questions and the budget debate, provide ample avenues for oversight. He highlighted the various portfolio committees that monitor functions within the Presidency, such as the Portfolio Committee on Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, and the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence.
The ANC has pointed out that every division within the Presidency, including State Security, the Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD), and Statistics SA, already reports to designated portfolio committees. Ntuli described the proposal for a new committee as redundant, suggesting that existing structures are more than capable of providing oversight on these areas.
The Zondo Commission’s Influence and the Opposition’s Perspective
The recommendation for an oversight committee specifically for the Presidency initially gained traction following the Zondo Commission’s report on state capture. The report suggested that Parliament should consider whether additional oversight of the Presidency could be beneficial, particularly for functions that are not overseen by existing committees. However, Ntuli noted that the ANC remains unconvinced of the need, arguing that the current system effectively addresses all necessary areas.
Opposition parties, particularly the DA, EFF, and ActionSA, disagree. The DA has been particularly vocal, with DA Chief Whip George Michalakis arguing that a dedicated oversight committee would ensure greater transparency in a Presidency that has increasingly expanded its powers. Michalakis pointed to the Zondo Commission’s findings, stating that not all responsibilities within the Presidency are currently delegated to other ministers or departments. He added, “This committee would provide a consistent platform for scrutinizing the activities of the Presidency, ensuring comprehensive accountability.”
The EFF echoed this sentiment, stating that without a dedicated committee, Parliament cannot adequately oversee the extensive structures and responsibilities that have been accumulated under President Cyril Ramaphosa. The EFF’s statement referenced the “Super Presidency” that has emerged, with new portfolios and numerous commissions, task forces, and initiatives that report directly to the President. According to the EFF, a committee solely focused on the Presidency would enhance Parliament’s ability to address potential inefficiencies and irregularities within these expanded functions.
ActionSA’s Support and Call for Accountability
ActionSA, which cast a decisive vote in support of the oversight committee, expressed its belief that increased transparency is essential, especially with recent expansions within the Presidency’s authority. ActionSA leader Athol Trollip argued that the Presidency has absorbed numerous state functions in recent years, resulting in a “Super Presidency” that operates beyond traditional parliamentary oversight. Trollip highlighted that the establishment of a dedicated oversight committee was long overdue, saying, “This decision represents a victory for accountability and transparency.”
Trollip further noted that the 2024 elections demonstrated a demand from voters for change, stating that ActionSA’s commitment to oversight aligns with its dedication to a government that upholds democratic principles. He reiterated ActionSA’s stance that unchecked power within the Presidency undermines the separation of powers and hinders Parliament’s ability to act as a check on executive authority.
ANC’s Counterarguments: Existing Committees and Efficiency
While opposition parties are united in their call for the new committee, the ANC remains steadfast in its opposition. Chief Whip Ntuli and other ANC members have questioned the necessity of an additional oversight body, suggesting that it would only add administrative complexity without delivering tangible improvements in accountability.
According to the ANC, the current system effectively distributes oversight responsibilities among various committees. Ntuli underscored the efficiency of the current model, which he claims avoids redundancy by ensuring that committees with subject-specific expertise handle matters within the Presidency. He argued that the proposed committee would duplicate tasks already performed by other committees, wasting resources that could be better spent addressing other legislative priorities.
The ANC’s position is that if there are perceived weaknesses in the current oversight model, these should be addressed within the existing framework. Ntuli stated, “To date, no argument has been advanced that justifies the establishment of yet another committee.” He added that the opposition’s calls for a new committee are more about political posturing than genuine concern for accountability.
Broader Implications and Future of Oversight in South Africa
The ongoing debate over the establishment of a dedicated oversight committee for the Presidency highlights broader concerns regarding transparency, executive power, and the role of Parliament in South Africa’s democracy. While the ANC maintains that its current approach is adequate, opposition parties argue that an oversight committee could enhance accountability and prevent potential abuses of power within the Presidency.
Parliamentary spokesperson Moloto Mothapo recently announced that the Rules Committee has agreed to refer the proposal back to the Subcommittee for further review. This decision allows time for further deliberation on the specifics of how such a committee would operate and whether it is indeed necessary. The Rules Committee’s final decision, expected in the coming months, could set a precedent for how Parliament approaches executive oversight in the future.
For the ANC, however, the focus remains on strengthening existing mechanisms rather than establishing new structures. The party insists that any improvements to oversight should be accomplished within the current system, emphasizing that additional layers of oversight could hinder Parliament’s operational efficiency.
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