The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

An activist Parliament would proactively implement things that would promote a better life for the poor and marginalised.

* incline its ear to the voice of the people
*return to "the people shall govern"
*discern and evaluate the heartbeat of the nation
*provide the disenfranchised and marginalized a voice
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ACDP MP Cheryllyn Dudley today said that an activist Parliament would implement things that promote better life for the poor and marginalised:
"An activist Parliament, in the view of the ACDP, would lead by its actions and not just words. [As Mr. Bapela modelled on Wednesday during question time in the house when he held an executive member accountable, refusing to let him off the hook and insisting the Minister return to the house with a properly researched answer.]

It would ensure that it is not in an "ivory tower"; that citizens are aware of its authority and limitations; know who their MPs are and how those MP's can assist them. It would primarily hear what people have to say but ALSO persistently raise awareness among all, including the most rural and poor, campaigning on citizenship expectation and encouraging people to hold leaders accountable through relevant and people-friendly parliamentary processes.

Julius Nyerere said ‘widespread corruption in high places breeds poverty' and we have seen this in our country and elsewhere, thus accountability is the hub around which the ‘activist' is activated.
<#_ftn2>
An activist Parliament would incline its ear to the voice of the people to discern and evaluate the heartbeat of the nation and not serve just the privileged. It would return to the grassroots ideology that "the people shall govern" and would provide the disenfranchised and marginalized a voice.

It would advance policy that resonates with the deeply held convictions of the vast majority of its citizens and not dash the values and aspirations of the many by imposing a narrow agenda on them.
An activist Parliament not only has external implications but should also affect us right here in the House, for instance, the German Parliament buildings source 100% renewable energy. An activist parliament will use our abundant sunshine and wind...a pity the ‘hot air' created by MP's at times doesn't count! Such a move would boost renewable energy research and application bringing down the costs of alternative energy & could take solar telephones, robots, street lights & electricity, without miles of wires, - to rural people, and those outside the grid, the poor, and the marginalised.
Our President has expressed the desire for ‘an institution that not only has teeth, but is able to bite too'...the ACDP joins this house in committing to ensuring delivery of services to people wherever they are".