Hon Deputy Chairperson, hon Ministers, premiers, MECs and hon members, the theme for today is "The role of the NCOP in co-operative government and intergovernmental relations: Unlocking the synergy for collective effort."
The process of unlocking the synergy of the NCOP for advancing the constitutional principles of co-operative government and intergovernmental relations is gaining momentum. The ANC has deemed Parliament to be an arena of activism. An activist NCOP is one that is robust and constructive.
The creation of a new portfolio to champion co-operative government and intergovernmental relations at the level of the presidium provides the House with the opportunity to discharge its mandate in a more meaningful manner.
The NCOP Rules provide that the House Chairperson for Co-operative Government and Intergovernmental Relations must, amongst other things, perform certain important tasks on behalf of the institution. These include facilitating the NCOP process of monitoring adherence to the principles of co-operative government and intergovernmental relations by government as outlined in Chapter 3 of the Constitution; monitoring and reporting on planning and implementation of service delivery programmes, policies and laws by the three spheres of government; monitoring the overall processing of interventions in compliance with section 139 of the Constitution, the regular review of interventions approved by the House, and providing strategic advice when necessary; facilitating the participation of the SA Local Government Association, Salga, processes in the NCOP and its committees; facilitating the consideration of issues emanating from Salga; and assessing measures taken by the national and provincial governments to support and strengthen the capacity of municipalities to manage their own affairs, exercise their powers and perform their functions.
Many of these tasks are derived directly from the Constitution. This means that the process of unlocking the synergy for collective effort must, among other things, empower and assist us to do what the Constitution expects of us.
The workshop for NCOP Whips and chairpersons held earlier this month provided space for us to deliberate on some important issues with regard to the implementation of the mandate of this House. Today's debate is a deliberate attempt at sharing our common expectations on how best to realise an efficient and effective government that, through a co-operative approach, moves increasingly faster to deliver services to the people.
The drafters of our Constitution would not have thought it significant to dedicate a chapter to co-operation and good relations if they did not believe that these were important issues in facilitating service delivery. We must note that the emphasis in the Constitution is on co-operation and not competition.
Beyond this debate we are looking towards convening a round table discussion for purposes of informing ourselves about mechanisms for promoting co-operative government and intergovernmental relations. We will use this opportunity to get a deeper understanding of some of the inbuilt technicalities in our laws. We hope that such an engagement will help us to enhance our capacity to monitor the extent to which the three spheres of government work in a co-operative and co-ordinated manner.
As the NCOP, we have committed ourselves to ensuring that we always put policy issues for debate on our agenda. In doing so we hope that we will be able to assess weaknesses and also appreciate strengths of policy interventions.
On the other hand, such debates will provide a platform to demonstrate how co-operation can improve the delivery of quality services to the people, and our handling of challenges in implementation.
It is my belief that, in articulating the role of the NCOP in promoting the principles of co-operative government and intergovernmental relations in a more meaningful manner, we will be contributing to the shaping of an activist parliament.
An activist parliament must encourage robust and constructive debate - as I have said - on matters that are of concern to our people. It must stand on the side of the poor and the vulnerable. The ongoing process I have referred to - of unlocking synergy for collective effort - must culminate in the development of a clear programme of action for the advancement of co- operation and co-ordination. It must take into account previous engagements and thoughts on how to strengthen the functioning of the NCOP.
In this regard, we must, among other things, look at the question of whether the number of permanent delegates - there is a total of 54 - is enough to enable the NCOP to fulfil its constitutional mandate more effectively. This has long been a subject of debate.
We have to note the call made consistently by the Chairperson of this House, which is that, in carrying out our mandate, we must always focus on the best advances of the mandate of the NCOP, for example section 76 matters.
We must devise mechanisms to deal with the issue of unfunded mandates.
We must clarify the role of the second Deputy Chairperson who, according to practice, is a premier. Properly conceptualised, this position could be used to advance co-operation and co-ordination if we still want to keep it.
We must promote, share and disseminate information from the various spheres of government in order for citizens to be empowered with such information.
We must consider legislation meant to promote intergovernmental relations to see whether there are any gaps as far as the role of the NCOP is concerned. These are thoughts on which there has been agreement in the past and which I suggest we reflect on going forward and implement.
In conclusion, it is my view that, whilst the representation of Salga in this House is critical, we need to ensure that Salga derives value out of engaging the NCOP. This is one of the priority issues I will be considering as I take up the role of leading the function of co-operative government and intergovernmental relations. Salga must participate meaningfully here. Also, where we agree, we must sharply raise the issues they bring to us with both provincial and national governments, and ensure that they receive the necessary attention.
Hon members, our success in promoting co-operative government and intergovernmental relations depends on active participation and collaboration by all key role-players to strengthen our intergovernmental system. I thank you. [Applause.]