Ginwala wants a shake-up

2003-06-10 19:46

Cape Town - Parliament's committee system needs to be re-examined, and this should be done before new vested interests are established after the 2004 elections, national assembly Speaker Dr Frene Ginwala said on Tuesday.

Speaking during debate on parliament's budget in the assembly, she said financial, research and administrative support should be provided to the committees on the basis of programmes and work load.

"We also need to consider whether each committee needs to (work) throughout the year.

"More controversially, I would submit that when the Commission on Remuneration of Public Representatives does its evaluation, it be asked to consider providing differential scales for category A, B, and possibly C, types of committees, with appropriate and differential salary scales for chairpersons," she said.

On an ongoing basis, future parliaments would be able to determine which committees should be allocated to which category, according to their needs and priorities.

In establishing parliament's committees, "and let us not ignore the excellent work they do", the democratic government drew on the Commonwealth practice, or system of governance.

"We established committees for every ministry, and with democratic exuberance, allocated the same time, resources and support to each one, without considering what were the issues each had to consider, its legislative load in a particular session, and the level of technical expertise necessary.

"How appropriate is this system for integrated cross sectoral policies and laws, and for exercising oversight over a developmental state?" Ginwala asked.

On parliament's current problems and frustrations, she said these were compounded by a management system that left much to be desired.

There had been some improvement in the past year with appointments of a chief finance officer, an assistant secretary and a deputy secretary.

"However, we have not helped ourselves, for in the process of democratising decision-making, we have created a system of sub-committees that make the task of the management difficult.

"We need to rationalise and simplify the policy making process.

"Honourable Members, until and unless we address the problem of managing this institution, you will not be able to enhance the achievements of our first 10 years," Ginwala said.

- SAPA