By BAKANG MOKOTO
The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs has on Wednesday, adopted a report recommending nine names for possible appointment as members of the Electoral Reform Consultation Panel. According to the committee, the panel will play a crucial role in examining the current electoral system and many others across the world, as per section 23 (9) (b) of the recently passed Electoral Amendment Act of 2023.
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs, Mosa Chabane said in December 2023, the committee recommended to the Minister of Home Affairs to reopen the process to ensure that the panel has its representative. Chabane further said the panel must also have the requisite skill set to implement its mandate adequately.
“The committee is now convinced that the right balance between necessary electoral experience and skills is represented in the group. This will enable the group to independently investigate, consult, report, and make recommendations on broader electoral reform.
“The committee is also convinced that the decision to extend the process was correct, even though it fell outside the legislated deadline. The committee views this task as central to charting a new trajectory in South Africa’s democratic order and meticulous work is required,” he added.
Meanwhile, Chabane said the committee welcomed the Electoral Commission of South Africa’s (IEC) change of mind after the committee recommended that the IEC reconsider its stance of not allowing IEC employees to make themselves available to participate in the panel. He said the committee believes that IEC employees’ skill sets will greatly enhance the panel’s work and they will bring other technical skills the panel needs.
“The committee will recommend Faith Pansy Dikeledi Tlakula, Mmatsie Mooki, Tomsie Pricilla Dlamini, Adv Richard Khaliphile Sizani, Dr Michael Oliver Sutcliffe, Phatudi Simon Mamabolo, Michael Andre Hendrikse, Norman du Plessis and Dr Albertus Schoeman for the National Assembly to approve to serve on the panel.
“The committee also agreed with the Minister that the panel might need to establish task teams to get the work done within the legislated time frames. The committee also approved the Minister’s recommendation that Adv Richard Khaliphile Sizani be nominated to head the Secretariat and to work with Fatima Ismail Chohan and Thembinkosi Josopu,” said Chabane.
The Guardian 