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The parliamentary caucus of the African National Congress today met for a final meeting of the second term ahead of the scheduled mid-year parliamentary recess and constituency work period. The Caucus meeting
was attended by Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, ANC MPs from both the national assembly and the national council of provinces, including members of the executive.

The meeting received a comprehensive report of the chief whip on the parliamentary programme undertaken by the ANC during the second term of 2012. Amongst the number of issues Caucus discussed are the party
constituency work programme, work of the whippery, preparations for the Nelson Mandela Day and the national policy conference.

Caucus has expressed satisfaction with the level of preparation for the ANC national policy conference. Over the past few months, ANC clusters in parliament have led Caucus discussions on the policy documents in
preparation for the policy conference scheduled for 26-29 June 2012. Caucus will be represented by a delegation of members of parliament at the conference.

This year’s national Nelson Mandela celebrations will take place at Zeerust in the North West on Madiba’s birthday, 18 July 2012. Parliament, as it has done over the years, will partner with the government and other civil and non-governmental organisations to celebrate the life of the world’s revered statesman through a number of
activities. Caucus has appealed to all South Africans, together with the international community, to join hands and dedicate 67 minutes of their time to community work in celebration of the ubuntu values and principles that the first democratic President of South Africa epitomises.

All our members of parliament have been urged to galvanise people to partake in this meaningful contribution to humanity. MPs will lead this campaign in their communities through constituency work-based programmes
in emulation of many years of uninterrupted noble service to humanity.

Caucus has expressed support for parliament’s attendance and leave policy, which is undergoing a process of finalisation by the structures of parliament. The policy will curb the challenge of absenteeism and
poor attendance by MPs across all political parties. In its current draft, the policy includes sanctions against defaulters which range from fines, salary deductions and expulsion from parliament. Caucus has
committed to speed up the multiparty deliberations on the draft policy to ensure that all outstanding technical issues are resolved so that the policy can come into force.

Caucus recently undertook to visit all nine provinces to assess the functionality and effectiveness of the ANC’s 264 parliamentary constituency offices (PCOs). The first round saw the co-ordinating committee visiting the Free State. On 23rd June 2012, an inter-parliamentary caucus will be held in Limpopo with a view to address challenges related to the current location of PCOs. The second and third rounds of PCO visits to Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces will be conducted from 4-5 July and 12-13 July 2012 respectively.

Caucus has resolved to strengthen reporting by those who undertake international visits on behalf of parliament. Heads of delegations for all international tours will in future ensure that they report comprehensively on the political work performed during international trips and highlight critical areas that need political intervention,
ratification and implementation. We will work towards consolidating focus groups and establishing friendly societies particularly with Africa and the Diaspora in order to reinforce government work on the African Agenda.

Caucus has congratulated veteran and Isithwalandwe/Seaparankwe, Andrew Mlangeni, who celebrated his 87th birthday on 6 June 2012. Ntate Mlangeni continues to inspire and nurture this Caucus with his wisdom and guidance.