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Your Guide to Parliament
The work of Parliament
Information obtained from brochure issued by: Public Education Office of Parliament (021) 403 8200 |
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Introduction
Parliament plays an active and
direct role in matters of national importance. Parliament is where Members of
Parliament, who are elected by the public, represent our interests. The responsibilities of Members
of Parliament (MP’s) are:
Where can you get information
about Parliament? Parliaments meetings and
activities are open to the public, and the media often report on such activities. All the proceedings of
Parliament, including answers to questions by Ministers, are published in
reports, called Hansards. Parliament also has a website,
where you can download information, www.parliament.gov.za
or you can contact Parliaments Public Education Office at (021) 403 8200. Parliamentary Activities Debating Political Issues Parliament conducts debates
amongst other things, on matters of a political nature, which political
parties may feel necessitate debate. A party calls for a snap-debate by
either a notice of motion (resolution) or by asking the Presiding Officer for
such a debate. |
Questions Ministers
are obliged to answers questions posed my Members of Parliament in the National
Assembly and National Council of Provinces. Questions
are a means of gathering information, and monitoring the activities of
departments. Public
Meetings Committee
meetings must be held in an open and transparent manner, and must allow the
public and media access to such meetings. Committees
must also, if they deem a matter to be of public importance, consult the
public on such matters, which may also include oral presentation by members
of the public. Discussions
on Government Policy Ministers
are responsible for the drafting of policies. The
first drafted policy document is referred to as a Green Paper, and is a broad
policy document intended for discussion. Once
the Green Paper is discussed and changed (if necessary), it is referred to
the Cabinet and Parliament, for adoption. It is then once it is adopted
referred to as a White Paper. The
document will then be a formal policy document. Passing
of Laws One of
Parliaments most important functions is to pass laws that will improve our
lives. Parliament must also make sure that such laws are in line with the
Constitution. Parliament and You The
Media often report on the activities of Parliament. It is however our
responsibility as citizens of this country, to understand, and be involved in
the activities of Parliament. |
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