Parliament of South Africa

06/20/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/20/2022 10:32

Media Advisory: National Assembly Speaker Mapisa-Nqakula Hold Report-Back Outreach Sessions in Makhanda Constituency

Parliament, Monday, 20 June 2022 - The Speaker of the National Assembly (NA), Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, will, from tomorrow (Tuesday, 21 June), return to Makanda Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province for report back sessions following the outreach programme and stakeholder engagements held in the district in April this year. The sessions will conclude late on Thursday when the Speaker will deliver a message of support during the official opening of the 2022 Grahamstown Arts Festival.

In April, learners from eleven multi-quintile schools of Makhanda and leaders of state and non-state agencies who play a critical role in child and youth development in South Africa attended the Speaker's Outreach programme held at the 1820 Settler's National Monument. The programme also featured leadership in the South African legislative sector and some of the Members of the Executive.

Among the key aims and objectives of April's outreach programme was to promote the development of the learners. It also aimed to create sustainable partnerships between critical role-players in the Makhanda Constituency and surrounding communities to foster full support to the learners through providing equitable and quality secondary education.

The Speaker also focused on their mental health due to the impact of COVID-19 and in the shadow of the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) pandemic.

This week's report back sessions aim to assess progress and follow up on commitments made with stakeholders during the Speaker's Outreach programme.

The Speaker will kick off this week's programme by handing over certificates to ten high schools in Makhanda Local Municipality, report-back sessions with stakeholders from Radio Grahamstown, Community Based Organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations and consultations with the Business Community.

On Thursday, Speaker Mapisa-Nqakula will commence the day by doing her constituency work at the Makhanda Constituency Office, as Sections 59 and 72 of the Constitution provide that Parliament must promote public access and meaningful participation in parliamentary processes and activities. In the afternoon, the Speaker will meet with the National Arts Festival Board and conclude her business of the day by delivering a message of support during the opening of the Grahamstown Arts Festival.

Media wishing to cover the event must send their details (Full Names, ID number, Media House, Designation) to Mlindi Mpindi on [email protected] or contact 081 716 7329.

Members of the public may follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV (DSTV Channel 408) via the live stream on Parliament's YouTube channel, Facebook and Twitter pages.

You may subscribe to the Parliament YouTube channel to receive instant notification of live feeds.

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ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICAEnquiries: Moloto Mothapo - 082 370 6930