Katlego Sekhu
While it is estimated that the opening of Parliament today will cost anything from R6 to R14 million, there will be no gala dinner for members of parliament.
Parliament’s presiding officer and chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane confirmed on Wednesday that will be no gala dinner at the opening of parliament to cut down on costs.
This morning on Siz The World, Sizwe Dhlomo and Sol Phenduka reflected on previous openings of parliament and how it’s treated like “prom” for adults. They asked listeners if they idolize politicians, and why it is that politicians are viewed as celebrities.
The OPA is a significant event in our nation’s democratic process, convened by the President in accordance with Section 84 of the Constitution, which grants the President the authority to summon a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament for an extraordinary session to conduct special business. It is one of the few occasions that bring the three arms of the state—the executive, legislature, and judiciary – under one roof, reaffirming commitment across all branches of the state to democratic principles, accountability, and cooperation in the pursuit of national progress and prosperity.
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