By REGINALD KANYANE
The newly-established committees of the National Assembly (NA) elected chairpersons of some of the committees on Tuesday. The parliament spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo said the committees are the engine rooms of parliament, where among others, the work of the executive is scrutinised.
Mothapo said the elected chairpersons will play a key role in chairing and determining the agenda of meetings and organising the administrative affairs of a committee. He further said they are also responsible for ensuring that committee decisions are compiled into a report and tabled in the respective House.
“The role of committees includes oversight over the executive and promoting public involvement in law-making. Committee meetings are generally open to the public, where ordinary South Africans can express their opinions directly and, in this way, influence the outcome of Parliament’s decisions.
“According to the NA Rules, the Speaker acting with the concurrence of the Rules Committee must establish a range of portfolio committees and determine a name for each committee. This was done last week. There are 30 portfolio committees and each committee has both full members and several alternate members.
“The Speaker may also determine, with the concurrence of the Rules Committee, the size (number of members per party) of the portfolio committee. Political parties appoint the members that will represent them on a committee and advise the Speaker accordingly,” he said.
Mothapo added that parties must appoint their members within five working days after the establishment of a committee by the House. He said only 16 of the 30 portfolio committees met to elect chairpersons and the remaining 14 will convene their meetings today.
The elected chairpersons 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
The Guardian 