Interaction with Norwegian delegation
Public Accounts (SCOPA)
01 March 2007
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Meeting report
STANDING COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC ACCOUNTS
1 March 2007
INTERACTION WITH NORWEGIAN DELEGATION
Chairperson: Mr T Godi (PAC)
Documents handed out
None
Audio
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SUMMARY
The Norwegian delegation has held a series of meetings with committees as
part of their ten day study tour to South Africa and Uganda. The Public Accounts
Standing committee and the Norwegian delegation compared the functioning of
their respective government systems. Issues discussed included the reduction of
the abuse of power, financial oversight and employment rates.
MINUTES
Mr Carl l. Hagen, Norwegian Parliament member, explained the Norwegian
government structure and the main functions of the Public Accounts committee in
Norway. The committee’s main functions are to perform checks and balances over
Parliament; collaborate with the Auditor General and protect public interest.
As Norway has a majority political party government, it has adopted regulations
to reduce the possibility of abuse of power and amend the constitution where
necessary. In Norway committees only needed a third of members to propose a
query to the minister or have public hearings.
Mr Inge
Ryan, Vice Norwegian Committee Chairperson, asked what has been done to reduce
the high unemployment rate and whether the youth have been included.
The Chairperson stated that they had been working hard to reduce the
unemployment rate. Programs have been initiated such as the Umsobomvu Youth
Fund and Expanded Public works programme to develop skills and increase entry
into the workforce. The impact of these programmes will take time to monitor.
Mr E W Trent (IFP) added that there had been much debate on the issue of
employment. South Africa had a limited amount of skilled workers and the
government had invested money into skills development but the results had not
been encouraging.
Mr D M Gumede (ANC) remarked on the Norwegian unemployment insurance system and
hoped that South Africa would be able to develop a similarly successful system.
Mr Per-Kristian Foss, Norwegian Parliament member, asked how the South Africa
Government dealt with preventing majority party power abuse, political
appointments and nepotism.
The Chairperson replied that regulations are in place which monitor the
monetary expenditure of Parliament members.
The Auditor General performs financial reports of all departments. All
appointments are advertised and go through a selection process.
Mr E W Trent (IFP) noted that public entities must fill out a declaration
of interest.
Ms Magnhild Metveit Kleppa, Norwegian Parliament member, asked how the
committee functioned and if they had any influence over the department’s
budget.
The Chairperson replied that tasks are divided between two committees,
provincial and national. Each member oversees certain issues before they are
rotated but, on occasion a member will request to remain on the same matter.
SCOPA solely deals with financial issues of departments and proposes
recommendations to the minister. Committees have limited influence over the
department’s budget.
Ms L M Mashiane (ANC) stated that SCOPA receives approximately 200 reports
annually, which are then classified into a priority list.
Mr E W Trent (IFP) noted that the committee should have more influence and a
law should be enacted to assist in this matter.
Mr G T Madikiza (UDM) noted that the committee does have indirect influence
through the ability to advise departments.
Mr
Lodve Solholm, Norwegian Committee Chairperson, commented that South Africa had
been progressing well. It had taken Norway 99 years since the adoption of the
constitution to reach the current state of affairs.
The Chairperson said he would speak to the ANC about only needing a third of
Committee Members to propose a matter to the Minister.
The meeting was adjourned.
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