CPA Post-Election Seminar for the Parliament of Swaziland   3-4 September 2014, Mbabane, Swaziland Parliament, Democracy and Civil Society Hon. Mr Zwelivelile Mandela, MP, Republic of South Africa

Thrust of the presentation Sharing measures the SA Parliament undertook to operationalise its democratic project, as guided by the Constitution.

Role of Parliament Main institution of the democratic dispensation; Embodiment of the concept of government of the people by the people; NA - centre of the representation of the people; NCOP ensures representation of provincial interests;

Representing Constituencies Institutionalising Member / Constituency relations; Setting up Parliamentary Democracy Offices in provinces; Entrenching participation of the local sphere at National level;

Constituency Offices Parliament provides resources to operationalise the constituency offices; Serves to promote effective relationship between the MP his/her constituency; Recess periods for constituency work;

Parliamentary Democracy Offices Facility to reach out to communities in the provinces – particularly rural under-resourced and under-serviced; To ensure sustained involvement of citizens in parliamentary processes;

Local Government Participation SALGA represents interests of municipalities in Parliament; Ensures issues affecting municipalities are addressed at National level;

Public capacity building initiatives Public Education office at admin level, To raise awareness about public participation; and Highlight pertinent issues being debated

Targeted Initiatives To sustain public interest and engage with civil society: Youth Parliament; Taking Parliament to the People;

Youth Parliament ‘Mock’ Parliament of youth stakeholder organizations; Serves the youth sector: To experience the work of Parliament; To raise the issues that are pertinent to the sector; and Propose solutions for Parliament to consider;

TAKING PARLIAMENT TO THE PEOPLE An occasion for MPs to interact directly with members of the public; Members of the public address members of Parliament and demand answers on issues affecting them in their various localities;

Office of the Public Protector To strengthen constitutional democracy with the main objective being to enhance good governance and efficiency in public administration; Investigates reported conduct by public officials that might result in improper prejudice by an organ of State;

Conclusion The evaluation of the past 20 years shows areas where SA needs to improve; But overall assessment concludes that SA’s democracy project is maturing.