BY REGINALD KANYANE

North West Provincial Legislature launched a programme called “Engaging with the Legislature” at Mmabana Taung in the Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District on Friday. The event was attended by ANC chief whip, Hoffman Galeng and the portfolio committee for education led by Boitumelo Moiloa.

The North West speaker, Mosetsanagape Dantjie who was suppose to address the proceeding, she was committed elsewhere and could not make it.

Galeng said the legislature wants to teach public about their rights and how it operates.

“The event was tailored under the theme: “Know your Legislature – Itse Kokoano- peo molao ya gago” which focused on the various thematic areas such as: The role of the legislature; the role of the members of the public and civil societies in the legislature as well as, enhanced public participation,” he said.

Galeng also added that it is very imperative for the public to associate themselves with the laws and their rights. He said that will improve the lives of the citizens and make sure everything run accordingly.

“People need to know that the government consists of three areas. There is judiciary, legislature and parliament. They need to know that we conduct oversight and make sure all laws pertained in the legislature, need to be followed,” he said.

Winnie Seoposengwe who was representing parliament said: “The programme envisages inculcating the broader understanding of North West citizenry about the roles and responsibilities of the legislature through continuous education in this regard. Over and above, it aims at profiling the legislature and most of all, enhancing oversight responsibility,” she said.

Lebogang Ditire from legal department in the legislature also encouraged the public to make sure they follow all needed processes if they have any grievances. He said the public must understand how petitions work and if they are forlorn about service delivery, what should be done.

“This programme seeks to create a continuous awareness and educative institute that will provide the legislature with an opportunity to assist the community of Bokone Bophirima in distinguishing the responsibilities of both the Legislative Sector and the Executive.

“They need to know that the executive consists of MECs and the premier himself. All service delivery will be brought by government which is the executive. And if they experience any problems regarding service delivery, then the portfolio committee will take charge and also the legislature will mediate between the executive and the public after executed all proper channels,” he said.

Mashome Takalase from Mase village in Taung said she leant a lot from the legislature because she did not know who does what. “I’ve leant a lot because to us, the parliament, government and the legislature were just the same, but now we know where to go if we encounter any problems,” she said.

Another resident, Keditlwaetse Sere from Tamasikwe village urged the legislature to always come back to give them a response. “We always see government officials visiting us, but what makes me sad is that, we never get a response from them. They always come and give us empty promises, and then they left,” Sere said.

-TDN

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