Hon Chairperson, hon Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP, Dr Zweli Mkhize, the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, hon members of this august House, including the MECs representing their premiers, ladies and gentlemen, and somebody from my previous life, representing Salga, Councillor Mxolose, I thank you.
I would like to thank members of this august House for their overwhelming support in having elected me as the Rotating Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP. It is indeed an honour for me to serve our constitutional democracy in this capacity. I would like to give you my assurance that I will execute the obligations of my office in accordance with the provisions of our Constitution and to the very best of my ability.
I am also sure that the hon members of this House will offer me their full support whenever the need arises, to expedite the respectable work of the NCOP in the most effective way possible. I know that I can count on your support. As we all may understand, the NCOP represents the interests of provinces, and has the responsibility to promote co-operative governance.
Together with the National Assembly, the NCOP constitutes Parliament. Both Houses participate in the legislative processes in the manner set out in the Constitution. This House and the work that is conducted herein is certainly not rubber-stamping by any means. While both Houses are obliged to provide a national forum for the public consideration of issues, the NCOP also represents the provinces, to ensure that provincial interests are taken into account in the national sphere of government.
Therefore, it is incumbent on the NCOP to foster and maintain a dynamic relationship with provinces, especially the provincial legislatures, as they constitute the central feature of the work of this House. To this end, all permanent delegates must serve as active agents for the ongoing promotion of a dynamic interaction with their provinces. The significance of this ongoing interaction cannot be overemphasised as this facilitates a useful link between both the provincial and national spheres of government.
In turn, provincial legislatures have the honour of maintaining ongoing interaction with the local government sphere for the purpose of ensuring quality service delivery. Moreover, both permanent delegates to the NCOP and the provincial legislatures must ensure that a meaningful relationship exists between them in order to advance the interests of their provinces in the NCOP.
With regard to the local sphere of government, there is a need for a closer working relationship, as municipalities are critical to achieving government's vision of a better quality life for all our citizens. Having worked in local government for many years, and having served Salga in the NCOP, I can personally attest to the fact that Salga's participation was both meaningful and rewarding.
Therefore, further strengthening of the relationship between Salga and the NCOP must be pursued with vigour. Together with you, I am looking forward to a productive year wherein the NCOP will fulfil all its obligations. I thank you. [Applause.]