Deputy Chairperson, Chairperson and colleagues, on this occasion of the debate on Parliament's Budget Vote, I would like to congratulate the hon Mahlangu on his re-election as Chairperson of the NCOP. I have been a Member of Parliament for only a few weeks now, but already I am very impressed by the respect he commands in this Chamber and its associated committees. His wisdom and experience are assets to this House.
Someone else whose experience and good-natured judgement are immensely valuable here in the NCOP is that of my leader, the hon Watty Watson. I am proud to serve here under him. I also wish to state my pride in the fact that the Chief Whip of the NCOP hails from my provincial delegation. I appreciate the honest and open working relationship that she has with the Whips and Chairs, and I am sure this will continue in the coming years.
In addition, I would like to recognise the efforts of the staff of Parliament, and particularly the NCOP, who work tirelessly behind the scenes to support these processes of democracy.
Lastly, I would like to thank all hon members of this House for the robust yet positive way in which debates are conducted here. Several Ministers yesterday referred to the fact that this House should be a clearing house of new ideas, and it seems that so far we are living up to this ideal.
It is a positive sign to me that the vigorous cut-and-thrust of debate in this Chamber appears to remain independent from our productive working relationships outside of this House. These are my first impressions as a new member; I hope they prove to be accurate in years to come.
The conduct and aptitude of all individuals and groups I have just listed make me proud of being a member of this Parliament, but there are several things that have the potential to undermine this pride. Before I touch on these, however, allow me to comment on the budget of Parliament, since that is what we are here to debate on today.
It is significant that Parliament's budget is expected to breach R1 billion for the first time in the next financial year. This symbolic fiscal threshold underlines the taxpayers' contributions to building democracy in South Africa. It is this financial contribution, as well as the significant efforts made by millions of voters every four years to elect their leaders, that require us to take our oversight and legislative duties extremely seriously.
My first concern in this regard is that the institution of Parliament has become less effective at oversight and holding the executive to account over the course of the past three Parliaments. Two examples from recent years are Parliament's refusal to debate the report on the observer mission to Zimbabwe, and the get-out-of-jail-free card it gave MPs involved in the Travelgate debacle.
In addition, last year's parliamentary programme was substantially cut, leaving very little time for debate on controversial pieces of legislation such as the Scorpions Bill and the Broadcasting Amendment Bill. I know the Scorpions Bill was debated enthusiastically in this House, but the consultation process around the disbanding of the Scorpions shows that the vast majority of South Africans were opposed to it. The public perception was that the decision was made at Polokwane and the ANC used its majority in Parliament to force through this legislation that will have far-reaching effects on the political, social and economic rights of all South Africans.
Now, the President and other government leaders have recently and admirably recommitted themselves and the state to clean government and a reinvigorated Parliament. But accountability and oversight on the part of Parliament does not just happen because President Zuma or the Chairperson or the Speaker says it will. The responsibility lies upon all of our shoulders.
My second concern is about the KPMG forensic report, which the Chairperson dealt with regarding certain individuals employed by Parliament. The Speaker's spokesperson has pointed out in the press that the allegations are confined to the NCOP - a fact which makes it even more urgent to us that action is taken. The public perception of propriety in the Council is at stake.
The report implicates five parliamentary employees based on allegations made 15 months ago, but so far many of the report's recommendations have not been dealt with. I was relieved to note, therefore, as the Chairperson has just outlined, that our House supported the hon Watson this week in a motion which resolved that -
... in view of the seriousness of the allegations, and the fact that they were first made over a year ago, and the KPMG report was completed three months ago, immediate action is taken against the five people implicated in the report.
My trust is in the Chairperson in this regard.
My third concern is around parliamentary questions and oversight. In total 498 questions asked in both Houses since 2006 have still not been replied to. In addition, while the President is not obliged to appear before this House to answer questions, the Deputy President is. Despite this, he failed to attend a single session to answer questions in the House last year. We hope to see an improvement in this regard.
It is interesting to note that last year two parties did not submit a single written question. Looking around this Chamber today, one will note that these parties are no longer represented. I believe this is not a coincidence.
In comparison, last year in the NCOP the DA was responsible for 71 of the 118 written questions submitted, or 60% - more than any other party. The DA was also responsible for 36 of the 65 oral questions submitted - more than any other opposition party - and led all other political parties in proposing motions with 16 out of 45 in this House.
Last year we also produced 35 alternative policies and discussion documents. Anyone who enjoys accusing the DA of being hypercritical and negative should take note of their titles: The case for retaining the Scorpions; The DA's alternative budget: powering growth, opportunity and democracy; Five steps to turn around the fight against crime; Reversing the brain drain; and Breaking the cycle of poverty: The DA's plan to give better opportunities to all South Africans. In addition, we presented two Private Members' Bills in 2008, namely the Bill to empower the Independent Complaints Directorate and the Bill to amend the Employment Equity Act.
There is no doubt that among South Africa's opposition the DA is the driving force behind oversight in Parliament and the production of alternative policy solutions for South Africa's problems.
We are committed to delivering on the promises we have made to the people of South Africa. Soon every South African will be able to enjoy the benefits of living in an open-opportunity society for all. Thank you. [Applause.]