
=====================================================================
Role of Speaker in Parliamentary Institutions
=====================================================================

Media Releases & Diary/Programme
 Legislature

[         w

EASTERN CAPE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT
 SPEECH DELIVERED BY DEPUTY SPEAKER, MS MANDISA MARASHA
ON THE ROLE OF A SPEAKER IN PARLIAMENTARY INSTITUTIONS
WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO MEMBERS’ WELFARE
 22 FEBRUARY 2001



WORKSHOP ON RESPECTIVE ROLES OF MAYORS, SPEAKERS, CHIEF WHIPS AND ACTING MUNICIPAL MANAGERS

Chairperson

As a point of departure to my 10 minute address I feel obliged to refer to some of the duties that political representatives are expected 
to perform as a basis of my short input. I shall do this so that whatever enabling facility or benefit that members have an access to is 
informed by what they do.

Basically without getting into details, members of the Provincial Legislature who are in fact public representatives are expected to:-

(a) pass and/or amend the laws
 (b) debate issues of importance and
 (c) oversee the executive arm of Government.

Chairperson it is both a constitutional and moral obligation for Pubic representatives to ensure participatory democracy in all the duties 
they perform. Thefore it becomes imperative for the members to solicit views of the general public.

This can only be achieved through constant interaction with their constituencies

through either public hearing - a phone call, media/ press or through the physical visits to the constituencies.

This more often than not means the members are between their homes - their constituencies and the seat of Parliament(Legislature)

Chapter 6 of the Constitution dealing with the Provinces refers to the internal arrangement which will enable the members to perform their 
duties effectively.

All these welfare issues for the members have to be considered within a policy framework and should not be left to the discretion of 
officials. An Internal Arrangements Committee (IAC) is responsible for developing those Member policies and if any has financial 
implications it is further and referred to the Advisory Board which advises the Speaker and Officials implement.

Welfare and Enabling Facilities

* Housing accommodation - For members who are who are far from the seat of Parliament (more than 60 km radius) an arrangement is made.
* Office accommodation - well equipped with computers and telephone etc.
* cell phone for accessibility and easy communication
* Library Services - and Researchers.

* assist members to get information and further do research as requested by members to assist in debates though they do not write speeches 
for members. They have access to Internet.
* Apart from the daily newspapers that are provided for members. Other major newspapers are available in the Library.

* A decision is made in the Internal Arrangements Committee on

* Group insurances
* Medical Aid
* Pensions

* Within the IAC there are the following sub committees

* Catering
* Security
* Parliamentary Club

In conclusion

Consideration of the core functions of the council will assist in determining and prioritising the needs of council members. Your enabling 
facilities should be informed by the type of work, amount of work and quality of work that you do to make people’s lives better.

Therefore chairperson I would suggest the following approach:-

* establish core functions of the council
* do need analysis
* formulate policies
* prioritise the needs
* budget
* put control and monitoring systems in place

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Home | About the Eastern Cape | Documents
 Economy | Structures | International Relations | Site Map
 Premier's Office | Speeches & Media Releases | Links
 Top of Page

---------------------------------------------------------------------

About the Eastern Cape

Premier's Office

Structures

Documents

Speeches & Media Releases

International Relations

Economy

Links


