Interaction with ANC, DA and EFF – but on civil society’s terms

The issue of spaces for engagement between civil society and government is one that continues to be controversial as many debate that these spaces are closing down or being underutilised. This was a matter raised at a debate chaired by Inyathelo which provides support for South African civil society. DA ...

Interaction with ANC, DA and EFF – but on civil society’s terms

The issue of spaces for engagement between civil society and government is one that continues to be controversial as many debate that these spaces are closing down or being underutilised. This was a matter raised at a debate chaired by Inyathelo which provides support for South African civil society. DA ...

How political parties use social media to garner votes

While previous elections have been dominated by colourful mass rallies and door-to-door campaigning, these days Twitter "town hall" meetings, Google Hangouts and Facebook debates have become de riguer. Political parties have made a conscious effort to use these and other social media platforms in the run up to the elections ...

All systems go for parliamentary probe into Nkandla

There has been a two-day stand-off with the Speaker and his spokesperson refusing to confirm the establishment of a parliamentary committee to investigate Nkandla. People’s Assembly does not understand this coyness as parliamentary papers announced this committee today as a fait accompli.

The Speaker of Parliament announced the appointment of ...

All systems go for parliamentary probe into Nkandla

There has been a two-day stand-off with the Speaker and his spokesperson refusing to confirm the establishment of a parliamentary committee to investigate Nkandla. People’s Assembly does not understand this coyness as parliamentary papers announced this committee today as a fait accompli.

The Speaker of Parliament announced the appointment of ...

The Right Not to Vote

With the 2014 elections fast approaching, some media reports have bemoaned levels of voter apathy in South Africa, with The Citizen declaring “SA Voter Apathy Worrying” (The Citizen, 4 March, 2014) and The Star calling for “Change Needed to Fight Voter Apathy” (The Star, 7 November 2013). But while ...

"Why I am spoiling my ballot"

In an opinion piece published in City Press last year, outspoken writer TO Molefe boldly declared that he was going to spoil his ballot in protest during the upcoming elections. He explained that many people have reacted in shock to his decision.

“Others think I lose my right to complain ...

Letter requests political parties reveal private funders

On Monday 31 March, My Vote Counts (MVC) and sixty mass-based organisations and NGOs including the Awethu! Platform, Black Sash, Right2Know campaign, Corruption Watch, Open Democracy Advice Centre, Western Cape Religious Leaders Forum, sent a letter to 14 political parties requesting they reveal their private funders.

According to the letter, ...

How your vote is kept secret

As a means of ensuring free and fair elections, the secret ballot voting method guarantees voter confidentiality and helps to protect them from any attempts to influence their decision through bribery and intimidation.

South Africa’s elections are just around the corner. Have you ever wondered how the Independent Electoral Commission ...

National Scholar Transport Policy still not finalised after five years

South Africa experiences some of the worst road fatalities in the world with about 40 people reportedly dying on our roads daily. This is usually associated with a number of factors, including but not limited to, drunken driving, speeding, reckless overtaking, and driver fatigue from long and uninterrupted driving, failure ...

About Impressions

Not many people know there are fifty committees in Parliament - each assigned to oversee the work of a government department and YOU are welcome to attend. Email us if you would like to sit in on a parliamentary committee meeting. - all you need is an ID or passport to visit Parliament. Contributions about your impressions gladly accepted.

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About The Week in Parliament

That Week In Parliament

Recent happenings in Parliament