6th Parliament Review | PMG

A comprehensive overview with commentary, data and interviews

This review includes perspectives, analysis and data on the functioning of Parliament alongside interviews with lawmakers. The result is a varied, instructive and forward-looking review of the 6^th parliament with suggestions on how it can be strengthened.

Parliament is a vital institution. We hope this will contribute to the broader debate about its role, stature and the impact it should have on all South Africans.

PMG is non-partisan. The opinions expressed by our contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of PMG. Every effort was made to get input from across the spectrum. While many responded to the invitation, not everyone took up the opportunity.

ARTICLES

A reflection on the sixth parliament

South African Parliament's sixth term saw historical milestones, controversies, and calls for reforms to restore public trust in the legislature.

Looking Ahead at the Electoral Reform Consultation Panel Process

By Michael Atkins

The Electoral Act of 1998 continued the pure proportional representation system of government at the national and provincial levels in South Africa, as was used in the inaugural democratic elections in 1994.

Reflections on the state of Democracy and Parliament

By Judith February

South Africa's Sixth Parliament had accountability highs and lows, failing at effective oversight.

Revising present arrangements to strengthen oversight

The constitutional obligation of Parliament to hold the executive accountable through oversight mechanisms, as recommended by the Corder Report and Zondo Commission.

The Sixth Parliament and the Budget Process: Lessons for the Seventh Parliament

Parliament's budget process faces challenges, including public participation, fiscal framework ambiguity, capacity constraints, and constitutional obligations.

Parliamentary Autonomy in South Africa – Lessons from Select Countries

By Kevin Deveaux

Parliamentary autonomy critical for effective oversight, facing challenges in South Africa.

Legacy Report on the Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament.

By Fazela Mohamed

South Africa's Code of Conduct for MPs is reviewed with recommendations to strengthen ethical governance through a values-based approach.

The committee system and the need for reform

By Martin Nicol

Parliamentary committee system reforms needed to improve oversight, accountability after state capture revelations.

Parliamentary oversight: Reflections on the Sixth Parliament & Lessons for the Seventh Parliament

Enhancing parliamentary oversight: Lessons from the Sixth Parliament for strengthening accountability.

Post-pandemic: live-streaming Committee meetings

Post-pandemic, Parliament should consistently livestream and upload committee meetings, ensuring public access to proceedings and documents.

Legacy Reports

South African Parliament revises rules, frameworks to enhance public engagement, ethical conduct, oversight mechanisms for the upcoming 7th Parliament term.

State Capture

Parliament's progress on implementing recommendations from the State Capture Commission on oversight reform.

INTERVIEWS

Masibulele Xaso

National Assembly

Brett Herron

GOOD

Ganief Hendricks

Jane Mananiso

ANC

Seiso Mohai

ANC

Marie Sukers

ACDP

Shaik-Emam

NFP

Vuyo Zungula

ATM

Wynand Boshoff

FF+

Tamarin Breedt

FF+

Siviwe Gwarube

STATISTICS

Written Questions

A breakdown of questions and responses

Plenary Sessions

Plenary session activities

MP Turnover

Turnover of members of parliament

Committee Activities

Key areas of committee activities

Legislation

Bills of the 6th parliament

Attendance

Committee attendance

GALLERY

Special thanks to

PMG Staff and Board, PMG Monitors and Editors, Writers, Interviewees, OpenUp andFunders