By Phenyo Selinda
CAPE TOWN – The National Assembly (NA) on Tuesday successfully elected chairpersons for several of its pivotal portfolio committees. These committees, often referred to as the engine rooms of Parliament, play a critical role in overseeing the activities of the executive branch.
Key Responsibilities of Chairpersons
According to a statement from Parliament, “The elected chairpersons will play a key role in chairing and determining the agenda of meetings and organising the administrative affairs of a committee.” Their responsibilities extend to ensuring that committee decisions are meticulously recorded and subsequently tabled in the House.
Furthermore, these committees serve as instruments of parliamentary oversight and public participation in the legislative process. “The role of committees includes oversight over the executive and promoting public involvement in law-making,” the statement added. Most committee meetings are accessible to the public, thereby allowing ordinary South Africans to contribute to parliamentary decisions and ensure their voices are heard.
Structure and Composition of Portfolio Committees
The establishment of portfolio committees follows specific guidelines. As per the NA Rules, the Speaker, in collaboration with the Rules Committee, is tasked with setting up an array of portfolio committees, each with a defined name and mandate. Last week saw the fulfilment of this mandate with the formation of 30 portfolio committees.
Each committee consists of both full members and alternate members, representing various political parties. The Speaker, with the Rules Committee’s concurrence, also decides on the size of these committees. Political parties, in turn, appoint their representatives to these committees within five working days after the House establishes them.
New Leadership for Key Committees
Although only 16 of the 30 portfolio committees convened on Tuesday to elect their chairpersons, the remaining 14 are scheduled to do so today. The elected chairpersons for the committees that met are as follows:
- Portfolio Committee on Health: Dr Sibongiseni Dlhomo
- Standing Committee on Finance: Dr Mkhacani Joseph Maswanganyi
- Portfolio Committee on Minerals and Petroleum Resources: Mr Mikateko Mahlaule
- Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation: Mr Supra Obakeng Mahumapelo
- Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development: Mr Xola Nqola
- Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour: Mr Boyce Maneli
- Portfolio Committee on Public Administration: Mr Jan Naude De Villiers
- Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation: Mr Leon Basson
- Portfolio Committee on Communications and Technologies: Ms Khusela Sangoni
- Portfolio Committee on Transport: Mr Selelo Selamolela
- Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services: Ms Anthea Ramolobeng
- Portfolio Committee on Forestry, Fisheries and Environment: Ms Nqabisa Gantsho
- Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans: Mr Dakota Legoete
- Portfolio Committee on Monitoring and Evaluation: Ms Teliswa Mgweba
- Portfolio Committee on Basic Education: Ms Khomotjo Joy Maimela
- Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs: Mr Mosa Chabane
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