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Yesterday afternoon, I, together with Democratic Alliance (DA) Chief Whip Ian Davidson, met with the Speaker of Parliament, Hon Max Sisulu, to discuss the DA's proposal for the establishment of a Presidential Portfolio Committee.

At this meeting, the Speaker reiterated the support shown for the proposal at Tuesday's Chief Whips Forum, and discussed the procedures involved in the establishment of the proposed committee. The DA envisages that this committee will be tasked with overseeing the work of the Presidency and its two new ministries - the National Planning Commission and the Ministry of Performance Monitoring, Evaluation and Administration.

Before recommendations can be made to the Joint Rules Committee on the establishment of this committee, four preliminary phases need to be carried out.

Firstly, a draft document on the proposed portfolio committee- tabled at this week's Chief Whips Forum- must be considered by the various political parties. Secondly, a multiparty team will be constituted to consider the establishment of the proposed portfolio committee. The proportional representation of political parties on this committee will determined by the Chairperson of Committees, Mr Obed Baphela.

Following this, the multiparty committee will report its findings to the Chief Whips Forum, who will, lastly, make recommendations to the Joint Rules Committee on the establishment of the body to oversee the work of the Presidency.

At the meeting with the Speaker, I emphasised that the application of appropriate timeframes to this process was essential. The establishment of an oversight body for the Presidency is imperative. We cannot allow this process to begin with a bang and go out with a whimper. Attainable timeframes are crucial to ensure that real progress is made and that the establishment of the committee is afforded the attention it deserves. These time frames apply especially to the Joint Rules Committee, which will take the final decision on the creation of this body.

The DA welcomes the serious consideration afforded to this proposal by the Speaker, the Chairman of Committees and the Chief Whips Forum. As the nature of the Presidency changes - in terms of its budget, size and structure - Parliamentary mechanisms must be allowed to adapt to meet its changing needs in terms of appropriate oversight. Honourable Sisulu confirmed the government's commitment to leaving Parliament in a better condition than they found it. The support shown this week in favour of a Presidential Portfolio Committee is an important step in that direction.