By: Kgabo Masehela and Isaac Nkuna, Limpopo Legislature

Background

The Republic of South Africa is a democratic state as stated in the Constitution of South Africa of 1996; it therefore has an obligation to ensure the maximum realization of the values of accountability, transparency, effective oversight agencies and institutions, agencies that are accountable to the public. In terms of the Constitution, parliament and legislatures as one arm of government at the provincial spheres play a crucial role in ensuring amongst others:

• Conduct oversight S 114(2)(b)/133(2)5 and-the-PPMA;

• Hold the executive accountable -S 114 (2)(a); and
• Protect and ensure maximum realization of the values of transparency, accountability, and open democratic process with respect to parliament itself