Residing Officers and Opposition Leaders Agree to Defer Motion of Appointment of Secretary to Parliament

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The Presiding Officers of Parliament of the Republic of South Africa have acceded to a proposal by the leaders of the opposition parties in Parliament to defer the consideration of the motion on the appointment of the new Secretary to Parliament (STP) to a later date. The motion was scheduled for consideration by the two Houses today.

The Presiding Officers' decision follows an engagement they had this afternoon with leaders of opposition parties, where a wide range of issues, including the administration of Parliament, oversight, processing of the State Capture Commission Report and review of the current hybrid and virtual way of working, where discussed. This was the first meeting with opposition leaders since Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula came into office.

The deferment of the consideration of the Motion to a later date would afford the Presiding Officers and leaders of parliamentary parties sufficient opportunity to further engage on the process. The Presiding Officers and opposition leaders were mindful of the urgent need for the position of the STP to be filled in the light of it having been vacant for over 5 years, and have agreed that efforts will be made to ensure the appointment process is not unduly delayed.

The meeting also discussed in detail the immediate need for Parliament to fully revert to physical business following the termination of the National State of Disaster in response to the Covid-19 pandemic as well as the fire incident that gutted certain parts of the building of Parliament, including the National Assembly Chamber.

Parliament is currently exploring various options, i.e., temporary space, for the physical sittings of the National Assembly until the restoration or rebuilding of the gutted building. The meeting was in agreement that this process must be expedited to ensure that Parliament's ability to fulfil its constitutional function, including effective and meaningful oversight, is not compromised or hamstrung.

The Presiding Officers have reaffirmed their full commitment to ensuring that Parliament implement the remedial actions, and conducts necessary oversight over the Executive's implementation of its plan of action, emanating from the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector including Organs of State. Parliament will further seek independent legal expert opinion to strengthen its processing of the Report.

All the parties to the discussion appreciated the opportunity the meeting afforded to raise issues of critical importance to the institution, and have committed to ensuring regular engagement in the interest of continually building a strong and effective Parliament.

A follow-up meeting will be held on Tuesday.

The Presiding Officers expressed appreciation for the wisdom, quality engagement and guidance provided by the meeting.

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

Enquiries: Moloto Mothapo 082 370 6930

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