Some opposition parties in Parliament, which are not part of the Government of National Unity (GNU), are calling for establishing an oversight committee to scrutinize the work of President Cyril Ramaphosa. They assert that this demand was made during the sixth administration of Parliament.
A member of Parliament from the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP), Steve Swart, mentioned that this move would align with the recommendations of the state capture commission led by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo. According to Swart, the ACDP backed the proposal to create a dedicated Parliamentary Portfolio Committee responsible for overseeing the Presidency. This decision was following one of the recommendations put forth by Chief Justice Zondo in his state capture report.
“We believe there is a need for greater oversight, especially with the advent of the GNU in this seventh Parliament. Like all other DGs, the Director-General should regularly report to Parliament for all the funds spent in the Presidency.”
The African Transformation Movement (ATM) also supports the calls for the establishment of a committee to scrutinize the work of Ramaphosa.
It says this will enhance the constitutional imperatives of accountability over the executive. Spokesperson Mxolisi Makhubo elaborates, “The African Transformation Movement as a part that stands for accountability and is instrumental in the unmasking of corruption and the flouting of the law specifically related to the sixth administration, will be calling and firmly supporting the establishment of an oversight committee dedicated for the monitoring and evaluating the decisions of the Presidency in South Africa. We believe that this call is not only timely but it is also essential for the processes of our democratic processes and the strengthening of our nation’s government.”
Meanwhile, Al Jamah-ah says there is no need for a separate Parliamentary Committee to oversee the Presidency. Al Jamah-ah leader Ganief Hendricks says this is not necessary given the powers Ramaphosa has over the various cabinet ministers who account to Parliament.
“Our constitution gives the President tremendous powers, he can appoint the executive consisting of cabinet ministers, deputy cabinet ministers and he has the final say and I don’t think that an oversight Committee of Parliament to oversee the work of the President is appropriate in the light of the tremendous powers that the President has in terms of the constitution. Also, the President has further powers in that he has the final say regarding the different committees established to examine the matters before the Presidency.”
