Chairperson and comrades, I think before we can even start to look at this Budget Vote No 2 of Parliament, perhaps it is important to make a reflection on the fact that after the death of Comrade Bambata, in 1910, there was a formation of something called the Union of South Africa. Two years later, there was a clarion call made by our fellow revolutionary, Pixley Ka Isaka Seme, when he called on all of us, the Sothos, Tsongas, Xhosas and Zulus, to come together.
At that point, the convergence of all those people in 1912 was called the parliament of the people. I want therefore to remember Pixley Ka Isaka Seme, Sol Thekiso Plaatjie, Langalibalele Dube, Moses Kotane and Joe Slovo, as we gather today in this Parliament of the people.
Today we consider the budget of Parliament and the resources allocation made for it to fulfil its constitutional role and function as it represents the people of South Africa, acting as the voice of the people and ensuring government by the people under the Constitution. It is therefore important for us to realise the significance of this event and its impact on our daily lives, and the lives of the people of South Africa as has been defined by the ANC in 1912.
We will take note of the fact that yes, one of the key important aspects of Parliament is oversight. A new Oversight and Accountability Model was adopted to enhance Parliament's oversight work, as well as to bring current practices in line with Parliament's strategic path. With the adoption of the new oversight model, the next step will be to further give impetus to this particular conceptual model.
As part of Parliament's greater oversight role, the review of Chapter 9 institutions and associated institutions was also completed under the leadership of Professor Kader Asmal. This review provided an opportunity to assess the extent to which society, human rights and trends had been transformed through the operation of these particular institutions.
The review also identified requirements to strengthen these institutions to ensure that they are best able and placed to achieve their objectives. The recommendations are being considered and will be put before Parliament for consideration.
The participation of the public in the processes of Parliament is one of the key and critical elements. Their access to the institution and its members, and information provided to the public remains a vital focal point of Parliament. These processes underpin the essence of our representatives and participatory democracy through the duration of the Third Parliament and continuous focus was to build these particular elements within the Fourth Parliament.
For example, we have had an element or programmes introduced in Parliament to mobilise and galvanise the participation of our people. With regard to sectoral participation, we have had the Women's Parliament, for instance, in which a platform has been created for women to see themselves as part of Parliament, and not only the elite in this particular instance. We have seen a Parliament convened for women, drawing on the participation of women across the board; across the colour line; and across the landscape of South Africa.
For instance, for the first time we had rural women or women who are regarded as ordinary people participating in debates, trying to shape the policy direction of Parliament. The same went for young people. We have seen young people year in, year out, during the month of June, converging on Parliament, debating matters that have direct implications on their lives; reflecting on their challenges and on opportunities that, as young people, can also galvanise their energies in a way that will improve their lives for the better in this particular Parliament.
During the Third Parliament, the demand on Members of Parliament to engage in oversight activities and participate in international organisations, events and fora, increased tremendously. Public participation activities have also increased whilst the level of ongoing activities in the lawmaking process declined because of the first phase that had dealt a lot with lawmaking processes.
In addition, the Constitution and relevant legislations informs and is the anchor for engagement within the national and international political environments.
I welcome the increase under the programme Legislation and Oversight, but would further comment that this area requires us to continue finding ways to strengthen the support offered in the two particular fields.
With regard to Members' Facilities, I'm noting with excitement - and not only me, but many members have also raised the issue - the review of telephone, travel, logistical facilities for members, and medical aid contributions and travel facilities of former members is under way and its recommendations are due to be implemented in 2009-10.
It has been brought to our attention that more needs to be done in that regard because members find it very difficult, especially when it comes to travel claims. It doesn't matter what type of car you are using, the level of claim and that of repayments are the same; whether the capacity of your engine is bigger or not, it is still the same. Members feel that it is very important for Parliament to review that particular thing.
Our representatives in participatory democracy provide for active involvement of our people in the processes of Parliament, thereby providing public education, information, access to Parliament's processes and in building a people's Parliament that is responsive to the needs of our people. It's quite critical.
We need to ensure that we understand the processes of democracy and the processes of leadership of democracy. I agree with what hon Bloem has said. Yes, he was here in 1994, but it is important that he understands the nature and character of the institution that he is in now. This institution is a council of provinces which brings all provinces together and provides a platform for permanent delegates from provinces to profile and ensure that issues that have direct bearing on us get national attention.
When he was here in 1994, it was a senate. A senate's mandate and character is totally different to the institution that we have today. So, probably he needs to be reminded of that. He is a newcomer in this House. This is not a senate! He is a newcomer! [Applause.]
Secondly, it is typical of people who go out to sell out on the mandate of their people. [Interjections.]