In each of the Provinces the Researcher, Ms S Sipamla briefed the members of the legislatures about the petitions processes in Parliament. She explained that submission of petitions to Parliament is one of the methods of public involvement in realising the Constitutional provisions. The NA and NCOP may receive petitions from any interested person(s) or institutions in terms of section 17 of the Constitution. The Constitution therefore stipulates that the NA and NCOP may receive petitions; however each House of Parliament has rules governing the procedure for the considerations petitions. Parliamentary rules define, make provision and differentiate between two types of petitions, namely special petitions (considered by the NA) and general petitions (considered by the NCOP).