Hon Chairperson, hon members, hon Ministers and hon Deputy Ministers, our constitutional mandate, as permanent delegates of the NCOP, is to represent the people at the provincial government level and to ensure that provincial interests are taken into account in the national sphere of government. We therefore play a critical role in the process of holding government accountable, promoting good governance and enhancing service delivery. Provincial Week is one of the main mechanisms through which we perform this magnificent role.
Provincial Week is not a vacation. Often we forget what we have witnessed during this important oversight. We fail to remember the purpose for which we were sent. We are supposed to return with a strategy to deal with the issues that we have encountered. Unfortunately, this is where we fall short. Cope therefore calls for a regulatory mechanism to be incorporated.
In addition, our municipalities and metros are rife with corruption, inadequate skills, mismanagement and poor oversight. There is a lot of work that has to be done if we are to deliver to the people of South Africa.
This time around, in 2011, we must work collectively and do better. The NCOP has a responsibility to promote co-operation for and co-ordination of service delivery efforts. I thank you.