Khumalo; Mofokeng and Mokoena Petitions: finalisation

Meeting report

Consideration of Mofokeng and Mokoena Petition
The Chairperson said that pending the resolution of minor outstanding issues, the Committee had completed its work on the Mofokeng and Mokoena petition and should formally adopt such a position.

Mr T Mofokeng (ANC; Free State) agreed with the Chairperson’s proposal.

Mr M Mokgobi (ANC; Limpopo) seconded the proposal.

The Chairperson said that it would be beneficial if the Committee kept an official book which showed progress on the petition and work on the issue. Such a book could also be used to show the legacy of the Committee.

Mr Mofokeng voiced his agreement and noted that that would be a good initiative.

The Committee agreed that pending further interaction or petitioning, it had concluded work on the petition.

Consideration of Khumalo Petition
The Chairperson said that despite the Committee’s attempts to assist Ms Khumalo with her petition, she had withdrawn the petition and taken the issue up with the Office of the Presidency. Since Ms Khumalo had withdrawn her petition, the Chairperson proposed that the Committee formally adopt a position to conclude work on the petition.

Mr Mokgobi supported the Chairperson’s proposal.

Mr Mofokeng asked what would happen if the Presidency referred the petition back to the Committee.

Advocate Gary Rhoda, Parliamentary Legal Adviser, advised that Ms Khumalo would have to resubmit the petition to the Committee for consideration.

Mr Mokgobi asked how Ms Khumalo had withdrawn her petition.

The Chairperson replied that she had done so via a phone call. He said that the Committee would request a formal withdrawal in writing from Ms Khumalo to avoid misunderstandings.

The Committee agreed that pending further interaction or petitioning, it had concluded work on the petition.

Other Matters
Mr F Adams (ANC; Western Cape) suggested that the Committee should look into the possibility of using e-petitions in future. Countries such as Germany had started using electronic petition systems and they seemed to be beneficial.

The Chairperson agreed with Mr Adams and said that the Committee would need to look into the issue of the e-petition. He added that one of the reasons that the Committee had been able to spend the bulk of its allocation was due to the Mofokeng and Mokoena petition. There was growing competition for budgets between National Assembly Committees and National Council of Provinces Committees. A study tour would have to be undertaken before the e-petition issue was formally taken up.

Mr A Matila (ANC; Gauteng) agreed with the proposal to assess the viability of the e-petition system and said that the Committee should look into it.

The meeting was adjourned.