Opposition parties likely to up ante for committee to oversee Presidency

CAPE TOWN - Opposition parties are likely to up the ante today for a committee to oversee The Presidency.

Parties both in and out of the Government of National Unity (GNU) said the new formation of government won’t mean less accountability for the executive.

On Tuesday, it will be the turn of President Cyril Ramaphosa to table his budget after he pleaded on Monday with detractors not to attempt to destroy the work of his new administration.

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Build One South Africa (BOSA) member of Parliament (MP) Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster said with 70% of elected political parties forming the GNU, it could have the unintended consequence of weakening parliamentary oversight.

“As Build One SA, we support the establishment of a standing committee on The Presidency because the president, as the head of the executive, should too be better held to accountability by Parliament.”

The African Transformation Movement (ATM)’s Vuyo Zungula said it’s a blight on the sixth Parliament for dismissing a legal report that recommended Ramaphosa should face an impeachment inquiry.

“The independent panel report has not been set aside by any court of law. That report must be thoroughly processed by Parliament.”

RISE Mzansi’s Makashule Gana said his party wouldn’t use its position in the GNU to shield ministers and The Presidency from accountability.