New committee in the Presidency to strengthen executive accountability

Secretary to Parliament Xolile George said the legislature’s recently-established Committee on the Presidency will strengthen executive transparency and accountability, as well as Parliament’s oversight role.

He’s told the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in Turkiye over the weekend that the president and his deputy will be expected to appear before the committee, at least once a year.

The Presidency will be set a 15-day deadline to respond to matters raised by the new committee.

A decade of pressure from opposition parties and a recommendation from the Zondo Commission of Inquiry were not enough to convince the African National Congress (ANC) that a committee on the presidency was necessary.

After losing its parliamentary majority, it was finally pushed over the line last year following benchmarking exercises and a study tour during the previous administration.

Secretary to Parliament Xolile George told the IPU that the new committee is but one of several measures, including motions of no confidence in the president and the Cabinet as well as impeachment, that are at members of Parliament (MPs)’ disposal to hold the executive accountable.

"It largely looks at discussions on major policy issues rather than a more inquisitive approach. A very difficult balance to reach, we acknowledge that."

Earlier this month, the committee met for a strategy session to set guidelines for how it will work.

Last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa informed Parliament that he has designated Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshaveni, to represent the Presidency on matters related to budgets and programmes that the committee will probe.