The South Africa Provincial Legislatures (SAPL) Support Programme
Last Updated on Monday, 16 January 2012 12:06 Written by Communications Intern Thursday, 17 February 2011 10:21
Background
South Africa is a unitary state with three spheres of government, namely, national government, provincial government and local government. The country has nine provinces and 283 municipalities. Even though each sphere of government has its distinctive role, the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa requires the three spheres to cooperate with one another and coordinate their actions. AWEPA has been supporting the 9 Provincial Legislatures since 1995 through a partnership with the Speakers' Forum that played a vital role in guiding the programme towards improving the Legislatures' performance. The programme has since expanded to include working with the various municipalities in partnership with the Legislatures.
Objective
The purpose of the programme is to enable selected Provincial Legislatures to accomplish their legislative duties, particularly in carrying out their government oversight responsibilities and representing the people who elected them.
Results
The achievements of the SAPL programme include the following:
• Improved oversight by various legislatures and specifically Limpopo, whose oversight work has received wide media coverage;
• Cooperation, sharing of information and exchange of experiences between the Provincial Legislatures and Municipal Councils especially in Gauteng and Limpopo;
• Cooperation, sharing of information and exchange of experiences between the Provincial Legislatures and the National Parliament on the subjects of Climate Change and Aid Effectiveness; and,
• After attending protocol workshops, parliamentary staff organised and managed international events according to performance standards
Example Activity
The Provincial Limpopo Chief Whips Forum, 22-23 July 2010, Limpopo, South Africa
Hosted by the Chief Whip of the Legislature and attended by Chief Whips from the Municipalities, the meeting focused on the role clarification of Chief Whips, Speakers and Mayors. The participants then agreed on a framework for the establishment of the Provincial Chief Whips Forum. The Forum launch was a response to the need for improved exchange of experiences and role clarification of Chief Whips.
Donors
Switzerland (SDC)
Belgium (Flanders)
