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South African legislative sector meets to debate building a vibrant parliamentary system
1 July 2008
Parliament of the Republic of South Africa (RSA) in conjunction with the nine provincial legislatures is currently hosting a four-day (1 to 4 July 2008) seminar of the Association of Legislatures in South Africa (SALSA) in Somerset West.
The seminar is aimed at providing an opportunity for debate on the theory behind the constitutional provisions that determine the core functions of the institution of parliament, in order to continuously deepen understanding of parliamentary democracy.
Held under the theme: 'Entrenching a legislative sector approach - towards building a vibrant parliamentary system', the objectives of the seminar include a discussion to clarify the constitutional mandate of the sector including co-operation with other state organs.
The seminar will further seek to evaluate current business models in the sector and consider contemporary approaches to achieve efficiency and effectiveness as well as a review of sectoral projects and determine best practice and modalities for the implementation of the Sector Policy and Strategic Framework.
In addition, the seminar is aimed at generating capacity in the legislative sector for conceptualisation of a system that is in keeping with the realities of South African conditions.
Attendance of the seminar is by secretaries of legislatures, executive directors, managers and employees from key support departments in both parliament and provincial legislatures including committees, procedural advice, legal support and public participation.
SALSA was established by the first secretary of the democratic Parliament of RSA together with secretaries of the nine legislatures, with the intention of promoting an effective administration of the legislatures. It has a wide membership of the secretaries and deputy secretaries of all legislatures in South Africa and meets on a quarterly basis.
One of its key functions is to enhance the capacity of legislatures to enable them to fulfil their duties and responsibilities in an efficient and effective manner. SALSA makes recommendations to the Speakers Forum (Presiding Officer's association that provides policy direction to the legislative sector) and deals with matters that may have been referred by the Speakers Forum.
All media is welcome to attend open sessions.
The event is currently held as follows:
Date: 1 to 4 July 2008
Venue: The Lord Charles Hotel, Somerset West, Western Cape
For more information and media queries kindly contact:
Ms Sandisiwe Mangcu
Cell: 083 227 5671
Issued by: Parliament of the Republic of South Africa
1 July 2008
Source: Parliament of the Republic of South Africa (http://www.parliament.gov.za)