The People's Assembly commenced with a plenary on 17 September where participants were welcomed and the objectives of the 2008 People's Assembly explained. Thereafter participants attended discussions in commissions. On 18 September the People's Assembly was linked, via satellite, with provincial assemblies. The Premier of the Province, Mr T S P Makwetla, addressed the People's Assembly. A consolidated report of oversight work by parliamentary committees was presented. This was followed by presentation of reports from the commissions. Questions and comments were then entertained from the nine provincial sites and from the national site. Ministers present, the Premier, members of the provincial executive committee and members of Parliament responded to questions. Mr M J Mahlangu, the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, gave a vote of thanks.