Government is made up of national, provincial and local representatives.
The National Parliament makes the country’s laws in accordance with the Constitution. Parliament is made up of two houses. They are the:
National Assembly; and the
National Council of Provinces.
The National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces must set up a joint committee. This committee makes rules about the combined business of the Assembly and the Council.
The National Assembly is elected to represent the people and to ensure that government is run by the will of the people.
It does this by:
choosing the President;
providing a public forum to discuss issues;
passing laws; and
overseeing action taken by government.
Members of the National Assembly
The National Assembly usually has between 350 and 400 members. Members are elected every five years. The number of members each political party has in the National Assembly is in line with the number of votes each party won in the election. The Speaker is the head of the National Assembly. The Parliament Building in Cape Town where the houses of Parliament meet. Parliament is opened every year with a special ceremony.
Decisions and laws
When the National Assembly takes decisions it must get the votes of the majority of the members. Voting on most Bills (proposed laws that have not yet become law) may only take place if a majority of members of Parliament are present. The National Assembly may make laws, except on some specific matters on which the provinces can make laws. It has the power to amend (make changes to) the Constitution, if two thirds of its members support the change.
Debates and questions
Issues that are important to the country are debated in the National Assembly. Members of the Assembly may ask cabinet ministers questions. They have to answer in writing or in person in the House.
Portfolio Committees
The National Assembly has 26 portfolio committees - one for each government department. Examples are portfolio committees on housing, welfare, safety and security, education, and trade and industry. Portfolio committee’s duties include making recommendations on law-making, budget and management regarding the department it oversees.
National Council of Provinces
The National Council of Provinces looks after the interests of the provinces. It ensures that matters concerning the provinces are discussed at national level. The Council does this by taking part in making the country’s laws. President Thabo Mbeki delivers his State of the Nation Address in Parliament. He does this at the beginning of each year to announce government’s Programme of Action for the year.
Members of the National Council of Provinces
The National Council of Provinces represents the nine provinces. The Council has 54 permanent members and 36 special representatives. Each province has an equal number of representatives in the Council. This includes the Premier of the province, or a person chosen by the Premier, as head of the representatives. There are also representatives from the South African Local Government Association who come from the nine provincial local government associations. They represent local government, but may not vote. Each provincial group of representatives has one vote that is given on behalf of the province by the leader of the group.
Lawmaking role
The National Council of Provinces discusses, passes, changes, suggests changes to, or rejects Bills. They may start or prepare Bills on certain matters. Only the Minister of Finance may introduce a Bill to do with financial matters.
Debates and questions
Issues that are important to the provinces are discussed in the National Council of Provinces. Members may ask cabinet ministers questions that must be answered in the National Council of Provinces.
The National Council of Provinces has Select Committees that do the same work for the Council as the Portfolio Committees do for the National Assembly.
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