Chairperson, the Constitution and this Parliament of a free and democratic South Africa have been in existence now for the past 16 years. There have been 16 years of uncharted territory and an experiment in building a unified nation in which all persons are free and equal. A nation unified by its diversity and strengthened by its resolve to a better life and future for all South Africans. The IFP believes that now is the appropriate time for Parliament to reflect over the past 16 years - where did we succeed; where did we fail; what could we improve on; and what could we do differently?
To further reinforce an atmosphere of heightened engagement, which the hon Speaker referred to earlier on, we suggest that a parliamentary indaba be held, similar in structure to the Codesa talks whereby we can reflect on the above questions mentioned. And here we have to involve the public as well. It is very pleasing to note today a number of people in the gallery despite the bad weather. But I know in many occasions there is not a single person in the gallery. Yet, some hon members come here and say "Mr Speaker, colleagues and members in the gallery", and I would look around and not see anybody in the gallery. But I think we need to ensure that more and more people come to Parliament and listen to what is happening here in the debates.
A few days ago last week - in fact, a week from Tuesday - I was part of a debate which Idasa facilitated. One of the concerns of the civil society, organisations and NGOs was their inability to get their messages across to Parliament and to the executive. We were told at this debate that there were about 65 000 school children that marched to Parliament, handed over a memorandum and expected a response within seven days or so. They didn't get an acknowledgement even after seven days. This is a bad impression that is being created out there when NGOs and the civil society can say these things about us here in Parliament and the executive.
This Parliament must adopt the paradigm of forward-thinking if we are to successfully steer our country into the 21st century. Carefully planned actions, instead of hastily, ill-planned reactions, must be the order of the day.
Parliamentary oversight of state organs must continue to be strengthened. We support what the hon House Chairperson said because this is paramount in ensuring effective service delivery by the various organs of state.
I want to reflect very briefly on the Money Bills Amendment Procedure and Related Matters Act and the establishment of the parliamentary budget office - I understand the hon Speaker did refer to this. But I think we have waited far too long as Members of Parliament for this office to be established, with professional personnel who could assist us as Members of Parliament in ensuring that the legislation doesn't become nice words written on glossy paper. I trust that the Office of the Speaker will ensure that we hasten the process of getting the parliamentary budget office in place to assist us.
The other issue is whether we have enough parliamentary legal advisers. When we attend to meetings in some of the committees, we find that legal advisers have to run from committee to committee, and I don't think this is desirable. We need more legal advisers that come to our committee meetings.
In the last few seconds I have left, I want to agree with the House Chairperson on his view of Scopa, Parliament and the relationship with the executive. I think it is unfortunate that some members of the executive feel that Scopa is some kind of a super committee up there that deals with issues that it is not supposed to be dealing with.
However, this kind of thinking also permeates among some of our colleagues who belong to portfolio committees. They feel that Scopa is some kind of a super committee. Scopa is not there to interfere with the work of portfolio committees. It has a particular role and responsibility to ensure that we interrogate the financial statements of departments and reflect on the report of the Auditor-General. We question departments on that and that only. [Interjections.]
In conclusion, we as the IFP will support the Bill. Thank you, Chairperson. [Time expired.]