Editorial | Parliament must act now for robust oversight of the Presidency
For the umpteenth time, this week opposition parties in the National Assembly raised concern about the lack of oversight of the presidencyPresident Cyril Ramaphosa has never come across as a belligerent power-monger bent on accumulating control, but the reality is that, under his leadership, the presidency’s office has ballooned.
They were right. Even the Zondo commission into state capture recommended that “Parliament consider whether it would be desirable for it to establish a committee whose function is, or includes, oversight over acts or omissions by the president and presidency, which are not overseen by existing committees”.
However, in his response to the presidency budget vote, Ramaphosa said the previous Parliament had done work on the issue, including travelling overseas to learn about best practices.On return, the delegation recommended that, in the case of oversight over the presidency, the portfolio committee on planning, monitoring and evaluation be mandated to scrutinise the office’s budget and spending.
So, as matters stand, there is a recommendation in place for Parliament to study, interrogate and act on. Whether it settles for the existing recommendation or advises something else, what is important is for the matter to be settled. Laying down the rules for the presidency oversight must have nothing to do with the character of the incumbent president, but to prescribe standard practice for posterity.
We trusted Nelson Mandela with much more power because he was a leader with integrity. Down the line, that power fell to the roguish Jacob Zuma. Let that be a warning and an incentive for urgent action on this oversight.Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
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