When is it bull-dozing?

Since the start of this election year, accusations have been made about important pieces of legislation being pushed or “bulldozed” through Parliament, specifically pointing fingers at the ruling party who has been accused of rushing through bills to garner more support from the public.

Some of the concerns were that ...

When is it bull-dozing?

Since the start of this election year, accusations have been made about important pieces of legislation being pushed or “bulldozed” through Parliament, specifically pointing fingers at the ruling party who has been accused of rushing through bills to garner more support from the public.

Some of the concerns were that ...

NCOP rushes to pass 15 bills; only three sent back to NA

The National Council of Provinces (NCOP) passed fifteen bills in just two days this week (26 and 27 March), in a rush before the close of Parliament’s last session. Twelve of the bills were sent to the President for assent. Minor amendments were made to only three bills by the ...

Should donations to political parties be regulated?

On Thursday, the Institute of Security Studies hosted a seminar about political party funding. Its invitation explains there is currently “no regulation of private funding to political parties... companies or wealthy individuals are able to donate money to political parties without any form of disclosure. This creates an environment of ...

NGOs and MPs highlight inequality in access to justice within vulnerable groups

Civil society organisations and MPs, during a recent Roundtable on empowerment and the rights of women, children and the elderly, highlighted, during the general discussion of the issues, a more nuanced problem of how, within vulnerable groups, there were differing abilities to access justice. They noted unequal access to justice ...

Roundtable on Empowerment and Rights of Women, Children and Elderly focuses on Gender Based Violence

During his welcome address at the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) roundtable on empowerment and the rights of women, children and the elderly, NCOP Chairperson Mahlangu said that vulnerable groups needs the protection of the primary institution of law making, namely parliament.

Mahlangu added that although the “law is good, ...

Select Committee passes Mineral Petroleum Resources Development Bill

The Select Committee on Economic Development adopted the Mineral Petroleum Resources Development Amendment Bill today after MPs read out their province's final mandates. This marks the 11th bill passed in the past two days as Parliament closes tomorrow as the election approaches.

Yesterday, at the Committee meeting, MPs presented their ...

IEC releases list of national parties contesting 2014 election

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has released its list of parties that will be able to contest the national election on 7 May this year. Of the 33 parties who indicated their intention to contest the election, 29 complied with the IEC’s requirements, but four failed to submit ...

SAPS’ top brass hand out contact details to community members

At the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) roundtable on empowerment and the rights of women, children and the elderly yesterday in Parliament, General Khehla John Sithole, Deputy National Commissioner of Policing Operations, told MPs that the police top brass were taking steps to improve policing in the country.

Deputy Chairperson ...

NCOP Committees adopt 10 bills today in last-minute rush!

Eight Committees in Parliament's Second House met today to vote on final mandates for legislation that the Fourth Democratic Parliament is determined to complete - as its last day fast approaches. Five provinces need to vote in favour of a bill in order for it to pass. Many of these ...

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.

Here are comments from citizens attending parliamentary committee meetings:

About The Week in Parliament

That Week In Parliament

Recent happenings in Parliament