Parliamentary oversight of Presidency ‘correct and proper’,
President Cyril Ramaphosa told MPs on Wednesday that he is not opposed to the establishment of a parliamentary oversight committee on the Presidency.
Ramaphosa responded to concerns raised by John Hlophe, the parliamentary leader of the Umkhonto weSizwe party, over the lack of oversight.
The concern was raised during Tuesday's debate on the Presidency's budget.
In his response to the debate on Wednesday, Ramaphosa emphasised that his office wants to be accountable to Parliament.
"A number of speakers have raised the issue of the manner in which Parliament exercises its oversight functions with respect to the Presidency, including the possibility of a dedicated oversight committee.
"It is correct and proper that Parliament, through its relevant structures, give this matter consideration and determine the most appropriate way to fulfil its constitutional responsibilities.
"The Presidency, like the rest of the executive, is committed to honour its accountability to Parliament," said Ramaphosa.
Ramaphosa added that the Commission of Inquiry into state capture also raised the issue.
The commission recommended that "Parliament consider whether it would be desirable for it to establish a committee whose function is, or includes, oversight over acts or omissions by the President and Presidency, which are not overseen by existing committees.”
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