Parliament dropping the ball on ‘big’ corruption matters: PMG
Any good work being done by parliament to tackle corruption and the State Capture report is being undermined by politicians being unwilling to do what’s needed to take on “big” issues, says the Parliamentary Monitoring Group (PMG).
The PMG has published its latest review of the parliament’s processing of the State Capture Report, looking into what parliament has done since Chief Justice Raymond Zondo published his findings and recommendations a year ago.
The PMG is an information service that tracks parliament’s daily activities while also publishing reports and other documents, giving a window into the performance of each government department.
The State Capture report, published in June 2022, argued that weaknesses in parliamentary oversight and executive accountability had, over time, contributed to corruption and maladministration in government.
At the time, the State Capture commission recommended that parliament consider reforms to improve its oversight and accountability function. However, the actual outcomes from the commission and report have not year yielded the political response the public came to expect following the explosive revelations that came from the process.
Oversight in parliament broadly refers to the parliament’s role in monitoring and supervising the government’s actions through reviewing and evaluating government activities and ensuring they are legal and effective.
Recommendations made by the State Capture report related to things like procurement, parliamentary processes, financial oversight, state-owned entities and inquiry reforms, among many others.
Almost a year later, the actual action taken on the report has been debatable.
Some political figureheads argue that the report strengthened oversight measures. However, others point to the need for further implementation, investment and skills to improve the oversight function of parliament.
Opposition party members – specifically those standing against the ANC – say that not a single recommendation has been adopted and implemented in South Africa since the report was tabled.
PMG said that parliament’s performance around oversight and accountability has been mixed, with some pockets of progress. However, there are clear failings on “big” matters that overshadow any good work being done.
The group said there are a handful of political disincentives to conducting oversight, such as asking government colleagues awkward questions, or having to trudge through mundane and ‘low profile’ tasks and duties.
“While tools for oversight are important, ultimately, the political will to fully use such tools, despite the inherent obstacles, is paramount. Having the necessary tools is one thing, and implementing them is another.”
“On the rare occasion when a scandal is uncovered, opposition members may embrace it enthusiastically. Usually, however, oversight involves mundane work that provides very little of the public profile important to politicians concerned with retaining their seats,” PMG said.
The organisation added that for members of the majority ANC, it may involve asking colleagues in government awkward questions.
To best improve sufficient parliamentary oversight, the PMG said that the main incentive should be stressed: oversight is a critical part of a democratic society committed to effective government and transformation.
See the full PMG review below:
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